An easy loop to hike from Abbadia Lariana at 204 m (669 ft) reaches the spectacular Cascata del Cenghen at 580 m (1,903 ft), affectionately known as the little jewel of the Grigna mountain group and celebrated as one of Lombardy’s most beautiful waterfalls. This excursion is very straightforward, beginning and ending conveniently at the Abbadia Lariana train station while traversing a pleasant mix of paved roads, gravel tracks, dirt trails, and historical mule tracks with clear trail signs placed at the major crossroads. Along the way, you will find a few fresh water fountains, but we still highly recommend carrying a good water supply, wearing proper hiking shoes, and bringing a light jacket, even during the summer season. From the station, we turn right onto the pedestrian path that runs parallel to the railroad tracks, and past the tunnel, we climb to the right along Via Di Vittorio toward the village of Borbino.
We cross a short stretch of the famous Sentiero del Viandante and turn right at the first crossroads to climb a steep stone stairway leading into the woods. Once we emerge onto the main path, the incline becomes gentler, and we quickly reach the hamlet of Navegno at 490 m (1,608 ft). We proceed along the historic Strada dei Campelli, and upon reaching a lovely, open clearing, we turn left onto the traditional mule track that descends toward the Zerbo stream. We cross the bridge and follow the signs to the left directing us toward the waterfall; as the rushing sound of water grows louder, we begin to catch our first glimpses through the trees of the imposing, sheer rock wall ahead.
Upon arriving at the base of the Cascata del Cenghen, the sight is incredible: the water plunges down from a height of approximately 50 meters (164 feet), creating amazing displays of light, while the massive rocks below form a unique natural amphitheater. We begin our return along the same path, but at the crossroads, we continue straight following the signs for Calech, proceeding down a gentle descent to the Sorgente della Fame spring, where we can take a relaxing break. We walk for a long stretch accompanied by sweeping panoramas of the lake, and after passing a few rustic stone barns, we find the left detour for Crebbio. We descend to this charming small village via a lovely stairway running through local fields and olive groves, following Via al Gaggio to reach the bridge over the SS36 main road, where we rejoin the Sentiero del Viandante. Finally, we pass the historical church of San Giorgio (St. George) with its marvelous medieval frescoes, follow Via del Viandante down toward the beautiful Abbadia Lariana lakefront, and turn left at Parco Ulisse Guzzi to return to the train station.
Discovering the Pietra Pendula
A loop hike that starts in Torno and leads to the mountain hamlets of Piazzaga and Montepiatto, taking in the Trovanti, the Massi Avelli, and the Pietra Pendula.
The Best View of Bellagio
A beginner-friendly loop from Limonta landing. Follow scenic, well-marked trails to the Makallé Belvedere, one of the lake's top panoramic spots.
The Wayfarer’s Trail (Sentiero del Viandante) travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, with the journey beginning in Abbadia Lariana and ending in Morbegno, to make the hike easier, the route is divided into six stages.
The hike along the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult and is highly doable at any time of the year, though it is best to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in the winter, in this guide, we have divided the route into three stages.
The trek along the ridge kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, though it can easily be traversed in the opposite direction without problems. The total distance is about 37 kilometers (23 miles), to roughly 8 to 10 hours of walking.
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Cenghen Waterfall
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