Noana Dam Loop

A large part of the route runs along the paved SP221 road that leads from Imèr (Case Bianche) to Fonteghi Refuge; however, due to the quietness of the place, the road section does not negatively impact the beauty or the peacefulness of this loop.

The route starts from the locality of Póit (1,185 m asl), situated along the road from Mezzano to the meadows of the more famous locality of San Giovanni. From Póit, follow Trail No. 726 towards Fonteghi Refuge, initially uphill on asphalt. After crossing the green meadows of Ìneri, the road becomes a comfortable trail descending through the forest (Val de Riva Forest Road) towards the ford over the Noana Stream. 

Previously quite difficult to cross, especially during rainy seasons, the ford is now easily passable thanks to the “Val de Riva” suspension bridge, about 70 meters long and 30 meters high. From the bridge, you can admire the beginning of Lake Val Noana (1,015 m asl). Before the dam was built, the valley where the lake now stands had a depth reaching 80 meters and because of this feature, it was called Val Fondada. After crossing the bridge and continuing along Trail No. 726, you reach, after a gentle climb, the meadows of Agaón, where a forestry road leads to Fonteghi Refuge. 

Crossing a bridge over the beautiful Rio Nèva gorge near the refuge, you arrive at Fonteghi Refuge (1,110 m asl), from where you continue through a forested area along the lake, following SP221 until reaching the dam. The dam, 126 m high and 143.5 m wide, completed by Enel in 1958, was one of the last major hydroelectric works in Primiero. The Val Noana Power Plant, located at the entrance of Val di Schenèr, with its 55 MW power, is the most powerful plant in the area, given the high height difference (400 meters) between the basin and the turbine. 

Once you cross the dam, there is a trail ascending the slopes of the lake and passing near the meadows of San Giovanni, joining Trail No. 728 which leads directly back to the starting point.

Although this is a non-demanding hike suitable for everyone, we recommend that people suffering from vertigo avoid this route; both the passage over the suspension bridge and on the dam, although extremely protected and safe, can feel quite exposed.