We live near the beautiful Caldonazzo and Levico lakes in Valsugana, Trentino, Italy. These stunning lakes are our summer escape, offering refreshing swims on warm days. But the surrounding mountains beckon too! In this post, we’ll share two fantastic kid-friendly mountain hikes, perfect for little ones you can carry in a backpack (not stroller rides) that we enjoyed with our own children.
A Valley of Adventure:
Valsugana is a Trentino valley nestled amidst the Lagorai mountain range. This picturesque region offers a blend of mountains and lakes, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Caldonazzo Lake, the larger of the two, boasts calm waters ideal for swimming and most water sports. While windsurfers might find the wind a bit too rare, these calm conditions are perfect for families looking for a relaxing day on the water. A dedicated MTB route circles the lake on the Calceranica side, while the other side offers limited beaches and no cycling paths. The smaller Levico Lake provides a delightful one-hour hike around its perimeter and features a large beach with a giant playground. From mountain biking and hiking to water sports and paragliding, Valsugana offers an abundance of activities. To discover more experiences, including a nighttime MTB adventure under the stars with Tribe Daddy, visit our friends’ website.
Kid-Friendly Mountain Hikes in Valsugana:
Numerous hiking trails weave through the mountains surrounding Caldonazzo and Levico Lakes. We’ll share two of our favorites, offering authentic local experiences, perfect for kid-friendly hikes.
1. Rifugio Casarota: Alpaca Adventure (Vigolana Mountain Range facing Caldonazzo Lake)
This hike is a surefire hit with kids! The climb to Rifugio Casarota is relatively easy and rewards you with a friendly family of five alpacas. Starting at Rifugio Sindech with ample parking, the trail winds through shaded woods, offering a welcome respite on hot days. Though some sections are steeper, we highly recommend using trekking poles, especially if carrying a child in a backpack.
After a pleasant 1.5-hour hike on this kid-friendly hike, you’ll reach Rifugio Casarota, where you can savor delicious Trentino delicacies and meet the adorable alpaca family. Each alpaca has a name and is quite friendly – our little one was smitten! The friendly staff adds to the authentic Trentino experience. For experienced hikers, the trail continues to Becco Di Filadonna, but this section is not suitable for young children due to exposed areas.
2. Pizzo di Levico: Mountain Views and History (Facing Levico Lake)
The hike begins at Passo Vezzena, offering ample parking and a variety of restaurants and cafes. This gives you the flexibility to grab a bite before you set off or refuel after your adventure, as there are no restaurants at the summit. A short walk leads you to Forte Busa Verle. From there, the trail becomes steeper, with sections through the woods, as you ascend towards Cima Vezzena (1908 meters). If your child enjoys independent walking, the initial portion through green meadows to reach Forte Busa Verle is perfect on this kid-friendly hike. Trekking poles are again recommended due to loose stones on the path.
At the summit, a large fort stands sentinel over the breathtaking landscape. Soak in panoramic views of both Caldonazzo and Levico Lakes, along with the surrounding mountains. You can enjoy these vistas from the mountain peak cross or the thrilling suspended terrace on the fort’s left side. Interestingly, unlike his mom, our little one wasn’t fazed by the altitude and found the views from the terrace exhilarating!
Valsugana’s Untamed Beauty:
Don’t expect heavily trafficked trails in Valsugana. This region offers a more authentic and less touristy experience, embracing the wild beauty of the mountains. Stay tuned for more local itineraries from our area and Trentino, and get ready to discover local hidden gems, including more kid-friendly hikes!
