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BaitoneAlpino Suggests: Via Ferrata Rio Sallagoni
The Rio Sallagoni via ferrata climbs the walls of a small canyon below Castel Drena, in the Garda Trentino area, offering stunning views of waterfalls and plays of light in a mystical, almost fairytale-like setting. Along the route, you'll cross two Tibetan bridges and a few overhanging sections that will test your balance and strength. It's an easy-medium difficulty, adventurous, and fun, making it a great introduction to via ferratas. It's also suitable for children aged 9 and over (minimum height approximately 1.40 m). It's also open in winter, but it's not recommended due to the many waterfalls and the risk of encountering ice and slippery surfaces. Park in an olive grove along the road from Dro to Drena, then take the dirt road that descends to the right, heading south, until you find signs indicating the start of the via ferrata. The via ferrata begins on the left between two high rock walls, a few meters from the water's edge. In this first section, the via ferrata is mostly horizontal, with a few slightly overhanging sections that require a bit of arm strength. From the left, you move right and exit the initial canyon to reach a lush, vegetated clearing with a waterfall. Keeping left, you head toward the Tibetan bridge that passes over the waterfall and leads to the right to the start of a trail with a series of iron steps and cables that are very easy to negotiate. After about 10 minutes, you cross the stream to climb a new, medium-difficulty, equipped vertical section. Here, you'll find another Tibetan bridge, shorter than the first. At this point, you can exit to the left or continue to the right. As you continue, the approach changes; the via ferrata becomes a sort of easy canyoning, following the stream bed, jumping from boulder to boulder, aided by metal stirrups in the most difficult sections. The route ends when the stream bed begins to widen. You then exit to the left, climbing a short ramp. From here, descend along the provincial road until you return to the parking lot. Always undertake the via ferrata with the appropriate equipment!
