autumn in primiero

Autumn foliage in trentino

At this time of year, the tree canopies blaze with colour, displaying a thousand shades that range from bright red to golden yellow, from ochre to burnt orange – a palette that warms not only the eyes but above all, the soul. A walk in the woods in autumn is an experience everyone should try at least once in a lifetime – a deep, all-encompassing immersion that awakens every sense.

Just a few steps are enough to feel embraced by the forest’s warmth and its unmistakable scent of moss and pine. While a stream murmurs in the distance, the multicoloured leaves whirl softly through the air, brushing gently against us before settling on the ground, carpeting the path – only to accompany us again with their cheerful crunch beneath our feet.

Nature slows down and prepares for winter and, in its own way, perhaps invites us to do the same. A walk among larches, firs, beeches and birches becomes a chance to embrace this wonderfully slow pace and let go of the stress of our fast-paced daily lives. But not all woods are the same – and when the evocative hues of the autumn forest meet the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomite peaks, the result is simply extraordinary.

Here are five trails where you can immerse yourself in the magic of the foliage, warmed by the gentle autumn sun!

INTRECCI DEL TEMPO

This 7-kilometre route winds through the woods surrounding Sagron Mis – a place waiting to be discovered, set between the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park and the Belluno Dolomites National Park. After leaving your car in the large car park near Chalet Giasenei and the T3 Observation Tower, you immediately step into magnificent beech and fir forests.

The route follows old paths and comfortable forest roads, and thanks to 16 informative totems and 3 interpretive panels, it reveals – step by step – stories and interesting facts about the activities, traditions and legends that have shaped life in these lands over the centuries.

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CORDOGNÈ SAN GIOVANNI

This mid-altitude themed trail winds through the woods and meadows above the village of Mezzano, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages. It is an easy circular route, which takes around two and a half hours to complete, and is especially recommended during the foliage season, when the many beech trees create a true explosion of autumnal colour – from golden yellow to burnt orange, right through to fiery red.

Along the way, you’ll come across small clearings – windows opening onto surprising and unexpected views: from the Pale di San Martino to Monte Pavione, from the green meadows of San Giovanni to the turquoise waters of the Val Noana Lake. At the most scenic points of the route, you’ll find plenty of benches – an invitation to pause, take in the spectacle of nature and enjoy a moment all to yourself.

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SENTIERO DEGLI ABETI GIGANTI

This path leads to the discovery of centuries-old fir trees which, with their 50-metre height, rise like towering guardians – silent keepers of the Val Noana. Red firs, silver firs, as well as beeches and yews, await autumn to don their fiery, golden and earthy hues, transforming a simple walk here into something truly magical.

The trail is divided into two clearly marked routes, both starting from the Valpiana Forest Cottage: the shorter one, 2.7 kilometres long, is perfect for enjoying the silence of the woods and stepping gently into the heart of the forest; the longer route, 7.3 kilometres in total, reaches the pastures of Malga Val de Stua – the most panoramic spot of the entire walk. Here, surrounded by the tranquillity and silence of nature, you can admire an exceptional 360° view over the Primiero Valley, with the Pale di San Martino, the Lagorai range and the majestic Vette Feltrine.

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SENTIERO DELLE MUSE FEDAIE

This accessible themed trail is located in Canali Valley and winds through the meadows surrounding Villa Welsperg, the headquarters of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park. Along the route, a series of wooden installations – rest stops dedicated to the goddesses of Greek mythology – invite visitors to reflect on the biodiversity of this area, while also offering a chance to pause and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pale di San Martino, which here form a unique natural amphitheatre.

Walking the trail is good for both spirit and body: along the way you’ll find an area where you can experience the benefits of the Kneipp method, as well as a sensory path dedicated to the rhythms of the earth, where you can walk barefoot on rock formed 250 million years ago. A stop at Lake Welsperg is a must: the Dolomite peaks are mirrored in this small yet delightful Alpine lake, merging with the kaleidoscope of autumn colours in the surrounding forest and creating a mesmerising play of reflections.

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CAPITEL DE LA FRATTA

Off the beaten path, this walk offers peace and silence – but above all, surprising and unforgettable views. The route begins in Ronco Cainari and offers a chance to rediscover aspects of traditional rural life. Before entering the heart of the forest, you’ll come across an ancient watermill, beautifully restored and still used today for educational and demonstration purposes.

The path then continues along an old woodland trail, dotted with rest stops, thought-provoking insights for adults and local legends to capture the imagination of children. Beeches, larches, firs and hazel trees are dressed for the season, their warm colours making the walk even more delightful. After reaching the small chapel, every effort is rewarded with a unique view over the wild Vanoi Valley and the magnificent Pale di San Martino.

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