In the heart of Valcanale, where the eastern Carnic Alps meet the first peaks of the Julian Alps, lies a vast mountainous area covering over 23,000 hectares: a mosaic of forests, wild valleys, hidden waterfalls, and unspoiled nature reserves. In this majestic setting, in the municipality of Malborghetto-Valbruna, lies the “Wilderness dei Valloni” trail, an immersive trekking route designed for those who want to explore nature at its most authentic and wild.
The route: through woods, mountain pastures, and nature reserves
The trail starts from the charming village of Malborghetto and winds along the valley crossed by the Rio Malborghetto, following a quiet forest road. After reaching Ciurciule, it continues towards Sella Clinac and Malga Cucco, an ancient mountain pasture still managed today by the Consorzio Vicinale Malborghetto – Cucco.
From here, the route becomes more varied and scenic, descending along the CAI 502/A trail that crosses the Alpe Piccola area, skirting the borders of the wonderful Rio Bianco Integral Nature Reserve, and ending in the hamlet of Santa Caterina.
A circular route that combines the beauty of the mountain landscape with the opportunity to experience pure nature up close.
The Integral Nature Reserves: Cucco and Rio Bianco
During the walk, visitors have the extraordinary opportunity to cross or skirt two areas of high naturalistic value, established in 1975 as Integral Nature Reserves: protected environments where human presence is completely excluded and nature follows its course without interference.
Cucco Reserve
Located at about 800 m above sea level, the Cucco Reserve covers 21 hectares on the southern slopes of Alpe Piccola. Characterized by calcareous-dolomitic soils and a pine forest of Austrian black pine, it is home to an undergrowth rich in rare Illyrian species such as Carnic heather, purple broom, and Ressmann’s ambrette.
It is also a wildlife refuge for deer, roe deer, and, in particular, chamois. Among the small mammals, the presence of the dormouse (Dryomys nitedula), a rare protected rodent, has been reported, while among the birds, species typical of alpine forests such as the three-toed woodpecker and the black woodpecker stand out.
Rio Bianco Reserve
An extraordinary natural canyon that stretches between 700 and 1900 meters above sea level in the Rio Bianco valley, above the village of Santa Caterina. Covering 378 hectares, it offers breathtaking landscapes of waterfalls, flower-covered scree slopes, and Dolomite rock faces rich in endemic plant species such as spirea cuneata and rock rampion.
Here, lilies of the valley alternate with Scots pine and black pine forests and mixed forests of spruce and beech, fed by numerous crystal-clear springs. The fauna is also exceptionally varied, thanks to the wild and isolated habitat.
The Tarvisio Forest: a green heritage without borders
The “Wilderness dei Valloni” trail runs through the historic Tarvisio Forest, one of the largest state-owned forests in Italy. This immense green lung is home to a rich vegetation that combines Alpine, Illyrian, and Balkan elements, creating a unique biodiversity.
The woods, dominated by red and white firs, beeches, larches, black pines, mountain pines, and Scots pines, are the ideal habitat for some of the most diverse fauna in the entire Alpine arc.
Encounters with wildlife
Along the trail, it is not uncommon to see deer, roe deer, chamois, foxes, and martens. The stable presence of brown bears, shy animals that must be respected, has also been documented: it is important to walk quietly but make your presence known with some noise (coughing, talking, tapping your stick). In areas frequented by bears, dogs must always be kept on a leash.
Birds include capercaillie, black grouse, hazel grouse, golden eagle, and numerous species of woodpeckers and birds of prey.
An experience to be enjoyed with respect and wonder
The “Wilderness dei Valloni” trail is more than just a hike: it is an immersive journey into a fragile, ancient, and spectacular ecosystem. Walking in these places means rediscovering silence, observing life moving among the branches, and following the rhythm of the mountain.
Suitable for moderately experienced hikers, the trail offers authentic emotions to those seeking nature, silence, and beauty.
Useful tips:
- Trekking equipment and sturdy boots are essential.
- Bring water and provisions with you: there are no refreshment points along the trail.
- Respect the wildlife: observe it from a distance and leave no trace of your passage.
Useful info:
- Departure: Beginning of Via Superiore in Malborghetto.
- Travel time to reach the Ciurciule Tibetan bridge: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Trail recommended for experienced and prepared hikers due to the presence of handrails.
