Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni

Introduction:

The Rio Sallagoni Ferrata at Castel Drena is a beautiful via ferrata that takes place along the gorge of the homonymous stream in a wonderful, not difficult and decidedly suggestive environment. Given the low difficulty, the short approach and the landscape interest is targeted by many tourists in the summer and it is advisable to follow it away from the central hours of the day.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is located in the road that connects Dro to Drena in the province of Trento. Coming from Riva del Garda, before the town of Dro there are signs to the right to go up to Drena. Go up for a few minutes and after a bend we will see a large parking lot on the left and a tambourine field on the right. We park in the large parking lot. Our trip will start from there.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

From the car park we go downhill towards the uphill hairpin bend with the car. On the left side of the road we will notice a sign with CAI signs that shows us unequivocally the descent towards the Rio Sallagoni gorge where the Ferrata di Castel Drena (10 'from the parking lot) started.

Via Ferrata:

The via ferrata starts on the left side of the gorge. We climb with the rope a couple of meters and then start a short traverse to the right with brackets for the feet before climbing a few meters diagonally and then vertically. This stretch is quite exposed and very beautiful with the river flowing under our feet. We continue in the traverse meeting a more challenging stretch because slightly overhanging with which will force us to make a slight pull on the cable to maintain balance. After this short stretch - probably the most challenging of the route - we pass under a stuck stone and meet an escape route that rises vertically. If we want to continue in the gorge we continue the traverse to the right. The gorge now narrows and we continue in the long traverse not difficult and only in some places a little challenging. Near a large boulder stuck with a particularly narrow gorge we pass on the right side and we continue the traverse with only one more difficult passage due to a rocky projection. In short, we finish the equipment and we are in a beautiful landscape with waterfalls in front of us and a rocky amphitheater above our heads.

Now the second part of the via ferrata begins. We set off along the left path and soon reach the first three-rope suspension bridge. The bridge is fifteen meters long and is fairly stable. We continue on the right side of the stream along an aided path and some easy rocky jumps. In short we pass on the left side of the bridge for a stretch of vertical ascent to the right. It is the only vertical stretch of the route and some individual steps require a little effort to be passed but all on a low difficulty level. In short we reach the second suspension bridge, shorter than the previous one but less stable. We are at the end of the Ferrata di Castel Drena (40 'from the start - 50' total). Now we have to cross a wooden bridge and return to the right side of the stream and then uphill on a path until we come out near the castle (10 'from the end of the ferrata - 1h total).

Descent:

From the Castle following the asphalt road downhill we will notice that on the left a path comes off that in steep descent with a few bends brings us back to the tamburello field (20 'from the castle - 1h 20' total).

Notes:

This itinerary is very popular, especially in summer, with large groups of tourists. The risk is to get stuck in the gorge. It is therefore advisable to follow the itinerary early in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding even the hottest hours. Ideal via ferrata for mid-seasons.

Opportunities:

Walking along the easy and pleasant Ferrata Rio Sallagoni in Castel Drena can leave you both the time and the energy for a second itinerary to be covered even during the day. If you are looking for an easy route, you could go on the Via Ferrata Colodri or the Aided Path of Cavre, both in the direction of Riva del Garda. At about 45 minutes by car we can go and walk the Via Ferrata Marangoni in Mori, the Ballata of Ballino or the Ferrata Artpinistica in Preore. We have the hard work for very experienced and prepared hikers in about 30 minutes Ferrata Rino Pisetta.