Top 10 Waterfalls around Santorso

The Calvene Waterfalls Park (officially 'Franco Totaro Natural Park') is a tranquil setting that combines the natural beauty of the waterfalls and forest with several artworks and installations discovered along the easy trail. Among these, a large, stylized horse made of wood and metal stands out at the beginning. The waterfalls are arranged in a series along the valley floor: they appear very evocative, secluded, surrounded by lush vegetation, with the water cascading over the rock it has shaped and covered in a blanket of lush green moss. It's best to visit after days of heavy rainfall to find them lively and thundering; otherwise, they risk being dry. The waterfalls are easily accessible via the family-friendly trail that winds through the forest. An adventurous alternative (EE/EEA) consists of a secured path (with stirrups, ladders, and metal cables) that runs alongside them and up the stream, climbing between the rocks. The park has certainly seen better days: today (June 2024) it is somewhat abandoned, with the picnic area and swings disused; even the artwork seems neglected. Dilapidated and fascinating. https://www.facebook.com/boscodellecascatecalvene

A now historic park much loved by locals and families, a few steps from the town center but surrounded by nature: an oasis of peace and silence with the ancient church of the same name, a stream, waterfalls, wooden bridges, an ancient wash house and several paths for peaceful walks... for pleasant summer Sundays, benches and tables under a canopy, a drinking water fountain, a picnic area with a fireplace for barbecues. It is looked after with great attention and perseverance by an association of volunteers; entry is officially permitted from 6am to 9pm in summer and from 7am to 6pm in winter; to use the barbecue for free, contact the parish of Magrè. For the story about the church of San Zeno: https://www.facebook.com/100029105185102/posts/167402808229351/

The Val dei Molini is a surprisingly unspoiled and wild environment, where you enter a mysterious and evocative forest: water dominates, forming lively waterfalls and deep ravines; everywhere, lush moss covers rocks and tree trunks. You cross a series of small valleys (Val Sesura, Valle Arlene, Val dell'Asino, Val del Gambero, Val Smiderle, Val Bisele) and ford several streams that eventually flow into the Refosco stream. The Val d'Asino is particularly evocative, where two streams join in an enchanting clearing, forming waterfalls and a deep, winding ravine. The name reflects how the stream was once exploited: the remains of man-made structures, such as stone masonry and building foundations, bear witness to this. Obviously, the valley is at its best after days of rain.

The Valle dell'Orco del Tretto (there are valleys of the same name almost everywhere) is wild, lush, adverse, fresh; deeply dug by the torrent which creates spectacular, high ravines, whirlpools, waterfalls and whirlpools. 'Ogre' is the name of the waterway, but this dark and forbidding valley is well suited as the home of an ogre! Also noteworthy is the presence of various artificial works, often in the middle of the woods, which reveal a complex system for exploiting the abundant water resources of the valley over the centuries: a small dam, canals, locks, concrete walkways. If it has rained, it is very humid, muddy and slippery: some sections are exposed to the ravine with drops of at least ten metres, without protection; in several places the path can be interrupted by the stream for 2-3 metres; to continue you have to cross it and put your shoes in the water; the track is easy to miss and some segments are a jungle! An adventurous journey full of unexpected views, but to be approached with attention and knowledge. However, there are several variations that allow you to avoid the most difficult sections.

There were the first caolin mines started. This raw material was found in the soil and its used to create pottery.

Limited park, but really pretty! visited in autumn it is really pleasant and evocative. Perfect with children to spend half a day immersed in nature. The park is free to access. I recommend a complete change for children, there is a stream and waterfalls... they won't be able to resist! To reach it, type "Franco Totaro Natural Park" on Maps. https://www.facebook.com/parcodellacascate/