Ciao! If you’re thinking about hiking to the Cascate del Pisciadù, check out this mini guide that will explain:
- How to get to the hike start
- Where to park
- What the trail is like
- What you’ll see at the Cascate del Pisciadù
- How to hike to the cascate with kids
- Things to see and do before or after your walk
I’m a mom in Italy who’s been in love with the Dolomites since I first set foot in the area in 2004. I’m back every year, now with my three small boys.
We’ll take you along with us on our most recent walk to the Cascate del Pisciadù.
Andiamo! – Let’s go!
What are the Cascate del Pisciadù?
The Cascate del Pisciadù is a small waterfall that you can reach at the base of the Sella Group in Alta Badia in the Dolomites in northern Italy.
Where is the Trailhead for the Cascate del Pisciadù Hike?
You can get to the Cascate del Pisciadù from multiple places, but I’m going to focus on one – Colfosco. It’s a small village set between Passo Gardena and Corvara in Badia.
The trailhead is next to Hotel Luianta, on the side of the SS243, the main road that runs down Passo Gardena into Corvara in Badia. You can see the trailhead marked on the Google Map above.
Good To Know: There’s a handy trail map posted to the left of the trailhead.
Good To Know: If you’re based in Corvara in Badia, just below Colfosco, you can easily start the hike from Corvara and walk along the river or take the Borest gondola from Corvara to Colfosco to start the hike.
Where to Park for the Cascate del Pisciadù
At the time of writing, there are two parking lots next to the trailhead. The lot at the trailhead (next to Hotel Luianta) is small, but free. On the other side of the building (next to Ristorante Matthias Keller) is a larger, paid lot.
If you park in the paid lot, just walk around the building, either on the road or below the building, to get to the trailhead.
Read more about Parking in Italy
Hiking to the Cascate del Pisciadù
The hike is a gentle walk of just over 1 kilometer (each way).
Follow trail signs for Cascate del Pisciadù / Cascades de Pisciadù.
The trail is a wide, gravel path. You also walk over a small wooden bridge. At the end of the trail, you arrive at a small grassy patch with picnic benches and some trees (nice for shade). You can relax and have a snack or walk a couple of minutes up the trail to the waterfall.
On a recent visit with my kids, it took us 1 hour each way, but that included a lot of stops. If you walk without stops, you could make it in around 30 minutes (each way).
DISTANCE: About 2 kilometers, round-trip
TERRAIN: Wide gravel path
TIME: About 1 hour round-trip, without stops
Be sure to:
- Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen
- Wear appropriate shoes, especially if you want to walk up the rocks to the waterfall
- Pay attention to weather – don’t hike in a storm!
Good To Know: There’s a small toilet at the bottom of the waterfall.
Hiking to the Cascate del Pisciadù with Kids
This is an excellent hike to do with little ones if you’re in the Dolomites with kids.
You can even bring your stroller on the entire hike, except for the last small climb up to the waterfall.
My kids love:
- Checking out the waterfall
- Playing in the small stream you cross near the end
- Choosing their favorite wildflowers
- Spotting other waterfalls from afar
- Looking for paragliders
If you take your kids up the small path to the waterfall, make sure you’ve got proper footwear for you and for your children and know that there can be a few small pools (depending on recent weather).
Things to See and Do Near the Cascate del Pisciadù
Colfosco – hike; take a chairlift to a mountain hut
Cinque Torri – hike; explore the open-air WWI museum; watch the rock climbers
Cortina d’Ampezzo – have aperitivo at Hotel de la Poste; shop at boutiques; explore the Cooperativa
San Cassiano – visit the Ladin museum; have aperitivo; take the lift up to Pralongià
Santa Croce – hike; stop at the stations of the cross
Moviment Parks – amazing outdoor playgrounds for kids
Val Gardena – explore Ortisei; hike Resciesa or Seceda; take the gondola up to Alpe di Siusi
Corvara in Badia – nice base for hiking and cycling; a great place to stay with your kids in the Dolomites
You may also want to read about
Driving in the Dolomites
Cycling Dolomites Bike Paths
Visiting the Dolomites Without a Car
Need help deciding where to go in Italy with your family? Read
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
Best Things to Do in Italy with Kids
Realistic 10 Day Itineraries for Italy with Kids
Spring Break in Italy with Kids
Cascate del Pisciadù FAQ
Yes, you can ride a bike along the wide gravel path to the waterfall. You’ll need to leave your bike if you want to walk up the last little section to the waterfall. There are plenty of cyclists on mountain bikes and gravel bikes riding the trail to and from the cascate.
No, it’s not a large waterfall, but it’s in a beautiful and peaceful setting in the Dolomite mountains. If you’re interested in seeing a dramatic waterfall with a lot of water flowing, this isn’t the one for you.
Yes, it’s a gentle walk to the Cascate del Pisciadù. It’s not completely flat, but it’s suitable for those craving a gentle stroll, or if you want to go on a walk with your family.
