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Old Ponale Road Path
- Category What to do Lake Garda and Verona
Agriturismo - Where to stay overnight
- The Ponale Trail – a panoramic balcony over Lake Garda
- How to reach the Ponale Trail
- Highlights along the way
The Ponale Trail – a panoramic balcony over Lake Garda
The Ponale Trail, clinging to the sheer cliffs on the northern shore of Lake Garda, is widely ranked among Europe’s most spectacular balcony paths. The former military road links Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley along a 10‑km track (20 km out‑and‑back), walkable in about three hours each way or rideable by mountain‑/gravel‑bike. Thanks to its south‑facing exposure it is accessible almost year‑round, but check ahead for seasonal closures or maintenance works.
How to reach the Ponale Trail
Start in downtown Riva del Garda. Park along viale Rovereto, stroll past the marina and follow the lakeside promenade toward Limone. Beyond the hydro‑electric plant join the Western Gardesana road; a few metres later a sign for trail D01 “Ledro – Ponale” points right onto the historic gravel road. From here the gentle ascent begins, threading balconies chiselled into the rock with breathtaking views of lake, cliffs and olive terraces.
Highlights along the way
• Engineering marvel: carved in the mid‑1800s by engineer Giacomo Cis, the road was once the only link to Ledro; since 2004, after a new tunnel was built, it has become one of Europe’s finest hike‑and‑bike greenways.
• Photo stops: every hairpin frames postcard vistas of Riva, Torbole and Monte Baldo; half‑lit tunnels cut natural “windows” onto the cobalt blue below.
• Great‑War relics: look for Austrian gun positions, ammo niches and stone shelters hewn into the cliff.
• Ponale House café: after 2 km the old Casa Ponale offers espresso, homemade cake and a sun‑terrace suspended over the water.
• Ledro stretch: continue past the timber footbridge into pine forest; the steeper final section winds up to the Madonnina di Pregasina viewpoint and, if you wish, down to emerald‑green Lake Ledro with its UNESCO pile‑dwelling museum.
Short on time? Opt for the 9‑km panoramic loop: from the café descend briefly on the state road (torch recommended for the tunnel), climb back via Pregasina and re‑join the original trail toward Riva.
Practical tips: avoid the hottest hours in summer; carry water, sunhat and a torch; wear sturdy shoes; from October to March watch for ice in shaded tunnels.
