recommended route
SUP TOUR: 6. Ponale Waterfall
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SUP at the Ponale waterfallPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino (ph. Watchsome), Garda Trentino
This is an expedition for experts to explore the waterfall on the Ponale stream, one of the most scenic points in Garda Trentino which can only be reached by lake.
The tour is on the part of the lake in front of Riva del Garda. Right from the outset you get a chance to get a new perspective of the lakefront and town centre with its picturesque harbour in the shadow of the Torre Apponale. Leaving Riva at your back, head towards the rocky cliff of Rocchetta which here towers above Lake Garda. The Ponale trail, one of the best-love and most well-known hiking routes in the area, is clearly visible from the water.
Continue along beneath the rocky cliff until you come to the old Ponale harbour, once an important trading and communications hub between the Ledro valley and the Garda area. The Ponale Waterfall is hidden away in a little gorge and is one of the wildest and least frequented places in Trentino: the waterfall and its basin is only accessible from the lake, so only a fortunate few get a chance to enjoy its beauty.
Author’s recommendation
The area of Ponale Waterfall was the ancient access to Ledro until 1851: here there was the harbor and the start of a mule track leading to Lake Ledro
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Safety Tips
- Inform yourself about wind, water, and weather conditions. In a short time, the wind can change, the swell can increase, and it can start to rain, even with thunderstorms. For this reason, it is important be able to swim even in rough water.
- Inform yourself about local regulations. When in doubt, ask for the advice of specialised guides and local people.
- In case of solo trips, inform someone about your planned itinerary and departure time.
- Only use boats and gear appropriate to your abilities and wear a CE certified lifejacket.
- Maintain the safety distance from public transportation crafts, respect right of way rules and do not cross the course of motorboats to avoid accidents and fines.
- When stand up paddling, always attach your leash, never leave your board, and keep a distance of 500 m from the shore and cliffs from which rocks could break off.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips and hints
This tour was recommended by SUP Club Riva del Garda.
For further information about sports friendly accommodation, contact details for SUP hire, guides and useful information: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
You leave from Purfina, a busy beach just beyond the tourist harbour of San Nicolò. Paddle the length of Sabbioni beach as far as the magnificent Punta Lido where you have a stunning view over the gulf of Riva del Garda and you can stop off for a while in the estuary of the Varone and Albola streams.
To avoid the harbour area where sup boards are not allowed, cross the lake in the area right in front of the centre of Riva del Garda, and go as far as the statue of Cristo del Lago, by Fra Silvio Bottes, a well-known local artist. The statue can only be seen from the water right below the start of the famous Ponale Trail.
From here on, follow the Serenella rock wall, a cliff which rises sheer above Lake Garda. Passing a series of little inlets with turquoise blue water, you finally arrive at the Sperone beach where you are advised to stop off for a break; continue then along the shore to the south until you come to a little gorge where you will find the waterfall of the Ponale stream as well as Ponale harbour, hidden by the lush vegetation which protects this spectacularly beautiful place.
On the return trip you should cut across the lake to get back to the beach you started from.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
By road
A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riv del Garda.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini) or the former cemetery (Viale Damiano Chiesa).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti), Area ex-Cattoi (Viale Rovereto).
Coordinates
Equipment
In spring and summer you are advised to wear a semi-drysuit, in summer all you need is a swimsuit and lycra suit. You always need to wear a life jacket.
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