Trekking a loop from Abbadia Lariana to the Cascata del Cenghen

Hiking a loop from Abbadia Lariana (220 m) to the Cascata del Cenghen (580 m)

  • Length: 10,5 km.
  • Difference in altitude: 410 m.↑ - 410 m.↓
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Difficulty: E (Hiking).

An easy loop to hike which from Abbadia Lariana (204 m) reaches the Cascata del Cenghen (580 m) 'Il piccolo gioello (little jewel) della Grigna' - Lombardy’s most beautiful and spectacular waterfall. The excursion is pretty easy, it begins and ends at the Abbadia Lariana’s train station, and travels paved and gravel roads, trails and mule tracks, there are path signs at the major crossroads. Along the way we find a few fountains and water sources, but we still recommend bringing a water supply, wearing hiking shoes and bringing a jacket, even during the summer.

From the Abbadia Lariana station, we turn right onto the pedestrian road that follows the railroad. After the tunnel we climb to the right along Via Di Vittorio to the village of Borbino. We cross a short stretch of the Sentiero del Viandante and turn right at the first crossroad, to climb the steep stairs into the woods. Once we get to the road, the climb becomes easier, and we quickly reach Navegno (490 m). We proceed along the strada dei Campelli and when we reach a lovely clearing, we turn left onto the mule track that descends to the Zerbo torrent. We cross the bridge and follow the signs to the left toward the waterfall. The sound of the water becomes louder, and we begin to catch a glimpse through the trees of the imposing wall of rock.

When we arrive at the base of the Cascata del Cenghen, the show is incredible: the water falls from circa 50 meters, creating amazing displays of light, and nearby there are enormous stones which form a natural amphitheater that is unique in the world. We return along the path we took to get here, and at the crossroads, we go straight, following the signs for Calech, and proceed down a slight descent to the Sorgente della Fame where we can take a break. We walk for a long stretch accompanied by splendid panoramas. Once having passed a few cabins, we find the deviation to the left for Crebbio. We go down to the small village via a lovely stairway among fields and olive groves. Following Via al Gaggio, we arrive at the bridge of the SS 36 where we find the Sentiero del Viandante. We pass the church of San Giorgio with its marvelous frescoes, to travel Via del Viandante and descend toward lakefront of Lago di Abbadia Lariana. At Parco Ulisse Guzzi we turn left and return to the train station.

The Sentiero del Viandante

The Sentiero del Viandante

The Sentiero del Viandante travels halfway up the eastern part of Lake Como, beginning in Abbadia and ending in Morbegno. To allow you to enjoy this these beautiful sites in total tranquility, the route is divided into six stages.

Sentiero del Viandante

The Strada Regia

The Strada Regia

The hike on the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult, and is instead easily doable at any time of the year, keeping in mind to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in winter. In this guide we have divided the route into three stages.

Strada Regia

Ridge Lariano Triangle

Ridge of the Lariano Triangle

The trek to the ridge of the Lariano Triangle kicks off from Brunate and ends in Bellagio, the growth is about 37 km. which corresponds to 8/10 hours of walking, with some variations it is also possible to make the route with MTB.

Ridge Lariano Triangle