The best MTB trails around Cardeto
4.4
(22)
290
riders
31
rides
Mountain biking around Cardeto offers a diverse landscape within the Aspromonte National Park, characterized by significant elevation changes and dense forest trails. The region features prominent peaks such as Montalto, which reaches 1956 meters, providing challenging climbs and descents. Mountain bike trails often traverse through wooded areas, past waterfalls, and alongside mountain lakes, making for varied terrain.
Best mountain bike trails around Cardeto
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Cippo Garibaldi, Montalto, Cascate Forgiarelle - giro ad anello nel Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte, a 33.7 miles (54.2 km) difficult trail that takes 6 hours 10 minutes to complete. This route explores the heart of Aspromonte National Park, featuring significant climbs to Montalto and passing by the Forgiarelle waterfalls.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Vallescura Waterfall – Gambarie Brigands' Trail loop from Gambarie, a moderate 16.0 miles (25.8 km) path. This loop offers a mix of forest paths and open sections, highlighting the Vallescura Waterfall and the historic Brigands' Trail.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Gambarie Fountain – Montalto (1956 m) loop from Gambarie, a 22.0 miles (35.4 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain to the summit of Montalto, often completed in about 3 hours 40 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Cardeto is defined by challenging mountain ascents, dense forest singletracks, and scenic routes past waterfalls and mountain lakes. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels, catering to various mountain biking preferences.
- The routes in Cardeto are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 400 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Cardeto's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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riders
Embark on a difficult mountain biking adventure through the Aspromonte National Park on this 33.7-mile (54.2 km) loop. With a significant 5931 feet (1808 metres) of elevation gain, expect a challenging ride that typically takes around 6 hours and 9 minutes. You will navigate diverse terrain, including forest paths, rocky sections, and old, sometimes eroded, forest roads, all while being immersed in endless forests and breathtaking panoramas. A major highlight is the ascent to Montalto, the highest peak in Aspromonte, offering expansive views, and the picturesque Forgiarelle Waterfalls.
This route demands a very good level of fitness and advanced riding skills, so plan your visit accordingly. Be prepared for challenging climbs and descents; some sections, particularly on the way to Montalto and near Acqua Selvatica, are steep enough that you might need to dismount and push your bike. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as mountainous terrain can change quickly, and ensure you carry sufficient water and supplies for the duration of this demanding ride.
The trail offers more than just physical challenge; it is rich in natural beauty and history. You will pass the Cippo Garibaldi, a monument marking a historically significant spot on the "Garibaldino path" where Giuseppe Garibaldi was wounded. The entire route is set within the protected Aspromonte National Park, known for its untouched nature, diverse flora, and rare fauna like wolves and wild cats, making it a peaceful sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts.
4.7
(3)
39
riders
25.8km
02:42
790m
790m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.8
(5)
25
riders
35.4km
03:39
1,030m
1,030m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
39.8km
03:44
1,090m
1,090m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
29.8km
02:35
900m
900m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The view from below can be scary, but at least the climb is shaded in places.
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Percorso del Brigante is an exciting all-mountain trail that starts at the Pista Azzurra and leads through picturesque beech and spruce forests. The trail winds up and down until it reaches the charming Rumia Lake – a real gem in the middle of nature. The trail offers many technical sections that require good physical condition, a steady hand and concentration. For this reason, it is not suitable for children or beginners, but lovers of challenges will find plenty of fun and satisfaction here.
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Gambarie Bike Park, opened in July 2019, is a unique opportunity to discover the Aspromonte National Park from a completely different perspective – from the saddle of a mountain bike. Among the forests and beech groves, there are routes of varying difficulty that will satisfy both beginners and advanced cyclists. Along the way, you can admire breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina and the Aeolian Islands.
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Beautiful panorama overlooking the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea.
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Challenging ride but immersed in nature and offers beautiful views
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Lake Menta, nestled in the heart of Aspromonte, is a corner of serenity surrounded by lush forests. Built in 1968, the Menta Dam is a grandiose hydraulic construction with the aim of definitively resolving the problems relating to the water supply of Reggio Calabria.
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Gambarie, in the heart of the Aspromonte National Park at 1,310 m above sea level, is a charming mountain resort in Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, Reggio Calabria. Founded in the 1920s, it offers both summer and winter attractions. Hiking trails, ski slopes and breathtaking views from Etna to the Aeolian Islands.
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starting point for some MTB trails towards Gambarie. it can be easily reached from the paved (but ruined) road that leads to Montalto
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of mountain biking trails can I expect around Cardeto?
Mountain biking around Cardeto offers a diverse landscape within the Aspromonte National Park. You'll find trails characterized by significant elevation changes, dense forest paths, and routes that pass by waterfalls and mountain lakes. The region features prominent peaks like Montalto, providing challenging climbs and descents.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Cardeto?
Yes, while many trails feature significant elevation changes, there is at least one easy mountain bike route available around Cardeto. Overall, the area offers a mix of difficulty levels, with 13 moderate and 18 difficult trails, ensuring options for various skill sets.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Cardeto?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Cardeto are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Cippo Garibaldi, Montalto, Cascate Forgiarelle - giro ad anello nel Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte is a 33.7-mile loop, and the moderate Vallescura Waterfall – Gambarie Brigands' Trail loop from Gambarie is a 16.0-mile circular path.
What are some of the notable natural attractions I can see along the mountain bike trails?
The trails often traverse through the beautiful Aspromonte National Park. You can encounter stunning features like the Maesano Waterfalls and reach viewpoints from peaks such as Montalto (1956 m). Many routes also pass by mountain lakes and dense forests.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Cardeto?
The mountain bike trails in Cardeto are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 400 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging mountain ascents, dense forest singletracks, and scenic routes past waterfalls and mountain lakes.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike routes near Cardeto?
While many routes in Cardeto are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy trail available. For families, it's advisable to look for routes specifically marked as 'easy' or 'moderate' with shorter distances and less elevation gain. Always check the route details on komoot for specific suitability.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Cardeto?
Given the region's mountainous terrain and the presence of Aspromonte National Park, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summers can be hot, especially at lower elevations, while winters may bring snow to higher peaks like Montalto, making some trails inaccessible.
Are there any advanced or difficult mountain bike trails in Cardeto?
Yes, Cardeto is well-suited for experienced mountain bikers, with 18 difficult trails available. A prime example is the Lago del Menta – Menta Dam loop from Gambarie, which is a challenging 24.7-mile route with significant elevation changes.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking in Cardeto?
Specific parking information for individual trailheads is best found within the details of each komoot tour. Generally, for trails within Aspromonte National Park, designated parking areas are often available near popular starting points or villages like Gambarie, which serves as a common base for many routes.
Are there any routes that offer views of Montalto?
Absolutely. The Gambarie Fountain – Montalto (1956 m) loop from Gambarie is a 22.0-mile trail specifically designed to lead you through mountainous terrain to the summit of Montalto, offering panoramic views from the highest peak in the Aspromonte National Park.
How long are the mountain bike trails around Cardeto?
The mountain bike trails around Cardeto vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the moderate Vallescura Waterfall – Gambarie Brigands' Trail loop from Gambarie at 16.0 miles (25.8 km), up to longer, more challenging expeditions like the Cippo Garibaldi, Montalto, Cascate Forgiarelle - giro ad anello nel Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte, which spans 33.7 miles (54.2 km).
Are there any mountain bike trails that pass by waterfalls?
Yes, the region is known for its waterfalls. The popular Cippo Garibaldi, Montalto, Cascate Forgiarelle - giro ad anello nel Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte trail passes by the Forgiarelle waterfalls. Additionally, the Vallescura Waterfall – Gambarie Brigands' Trail loop from Gambarie highlights the Vallescura Waterfall.
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