The Walks from Cicogna
 
Cicogna is the starting point for many fascinating paths, which will enable you to explore the Val Grande National Park. Below is a selection of the hikes you can take from our doorstep.
Cicogna - Pogallo
Nature Walk
(1½ hours)
Level of Difficulty: T
This is one of the most fascinating of walks in the national park, which enables you to appreciate the history and nature of the Pogallo Valley and Val Grande. The path along the wooded slopes follows the course of the Pogallo River, with its crystal clear waters in which trout can easily be spotted. Interpretive signs along the way, briefly describe the surrounding area. Caution is required along some exposed tracts. This walk can be linked in a loop with the Cicogna- Alpe Prà - Alpe Leciuri nature walk (5 hours non-stop)
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Cicogna - Alpe Prà e Leciuri
Nature Walk
(2½ hours)
Level of Difficulty: E
A steep climb through chestnut woods to the long abandoned pasture of Alpe Prà. This walk is rich in history, found in the dry stone terraces, abandoned dwellings and ancient rock engravings. From the top, the views over Lake Maggiore and Monte Rosa in the distance are breathtaking and from Alpe Leciuri, the views over the Pogallo Valley and deep into the park are stunning. In Alpe Prà you will find a rifugio, owned by the Associazione Nazionale Alpini, which is normally open at weekends during the summer, for food and lodging. Interpretive signs along the way, briefly describe the surrounding area. This walk can be linked in a loop with the Cicogna-Pogallo nature walk (5 hours non-stop) |
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Cicogna - Cossogno / Rovegro (3 hours)
Level of Difficulty: T
A path starting near the Cicogna cemetery and leading to the Casletto Bridge and across the Pogallo River. The path then follows the mountainside along the San Bernardino River and through the woods to Cossogno. The abandoned village of Miunchio is reached at about 2/3 of the way and is well worth a visit, with its cluster of stone houses and tiny square. The paths from here up to the alpine pasture of Nolezzo and on to Cossogno are very enjoyable. From Cossogno it is possible to get to Rovegro, across the old "Roman Bridge". The sections from Miunchio to Cossogno and from Cossogno to Rovegro form part of the Cossogno Nature Area Walks. |
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Cicogna - Pian Cavallone (4 hours)
Level of Difficulty: E
Pian Cavallone is a rounded mountain topped by beautiful plains, overlooking Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. There is a small chapel and a rifugio run by the C.A.I. (Italian Alpine Club), which offers sleeping accommodation and meals during the summer months. The path branches off the Pogallo path and then crosses the Rio Pogallo at the La Buia Bridge. It then ascends steeply through wooded slopes and meadows passing Varola and Curgei. The Pian Cavallone can also be reached from the towns of Caprezzo, Intragna and Miazzina on its south-eastern side and is one of the starting points for ascents to mount Zeda and Marona. |
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Cicogna - Cima Sasso (3½ hours)
Level of Difficulty: E
A hike to the barren Cima Sasso in the heart of the Val Grande mountains. This path continues from the Alpe Prà - Leciuri path (above), along the crest of the Belmello mountain to the Sasso Peak (1916m). The views extending over the whole of the park, with its rugged peaks and deep green valleys, from the top is breathtaking. To the west side of this peak is the Pedum Integral Nature Reserve. Pay attention to your orientation on the way back. |
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Cicogna - Velina - Bignugno: Lower Val Grande Crossing (6 hours)
Level of Difficulty: E
One of the classic Val Grande hikes, through broadleaved woodland to the picturesque hamlets of Velina, across the crystal clear Rio Val Grande over the Velina Bridge, along the other side to the Alpe Bettina and on to Bignugno. Just before reaching Montuzzo is the small round stone building once used for wine making and in the hamlet of Montuzzo is a second example of this type of building, which used to be an outside loo. The third example is found in the patio of Il Nido. Care must be taken on the rope section, marked by a sign, before reaching Velina. While the path from the Velina Bridge to the Casletto Bridge should not be ventured under any circumstances, as this has collapsed in many sections and is very dangerous. The direction to be followed is towards the Alpe Bettina. |
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Pogallo Valley Crossing: Cicogna - Finero (2 days)
Level of Difficulty: EE
A beautiful hike that can be done in 7-8 hours, but an overnight stop is normally made at the Pian del Boit, where the ruined stone huts have been restored to offer basic accommodation. The Finero Valley is reached from the Pogallo Valley by crossing the Bocchetta (little mouth) di Terza, between rocky cliffs. This trail continues from Pogallo (above) and requires wading a river at Preda, which can be difficult after periods of rain, when the water level is high. |
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Note: times are approximate and given as non-stop one way.
Difficulty levels (as per standard definitions)
T: easy itinerary, with limited elevation gain.
E: medium difficulty itinerary, with moderate elevation gain.
EE: long and demanding itinerary, for well-trained hikers, with considerable elevation gain.
The Val Grande National Park is a wilderness area and should be treated as such. Many of the paths are difficult, not marked and can be dangerous. They must be taken with extreme caution and accompanied by an expert guide, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
All hikes require comfortable mountain boots, clothing and equipment.
There are many more hikes in the area, a drive away from Cicogna. For more information, please consult the booklet "Nature and... Taste Trails" available from the National Park, and the tourist map "Comunita' Montana Val Grande" found in local bookshops. These are the only publications in Italian/English to date. There are many books on the area but available in Italian only.
Val Grande Trekking
There are many possibilities for trekkings of different durations, by linking the various paths and overnighting in rifugi (mountain huts offering food & lodging) and/or bivacchi (basic shelters).
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