Top 20 Lakes around Mezzenile

For a rewarding hike, consider visiting Lake Paschiet. It's located in a quiet environment and can be reached in over an hour from Frè above Cornetti, offering lush greenery. The trail to Lago Paschiet is also part of significant long-distance routes like the Grande Traversata delle Alpi. Another option is Laghetto del Civrari, a small body of water under the Civrari massif, accessible when climbing to Punta Imperatoria or Punta della Croce.

Yes, the Green Lakes are very popular with families. These consist of two small bodies of water, one emerald green and one with more green water, and are known for offering opportunities for swimming. They can be reached in about two hours from the hamlet of Cornetti.

The lakes around Mezzenile are set in a picturesque alpine region, offering diverse landscapes. You can expect to see lush valleys, higher alpine elevations, and a variety of flora and fauna. For instance, the path to Lago Paschiet follows the Paschiet stream, featuring small, fast-flowing waterfalls and calm pools, and passes through forests and rhododendron stretches.

Yes, near Lago di Malciaussia, an artificial reservoir, you can find remnants of the "Decauville," an old narrow-gauge railway used during the dam's construction in the 1920s and 30s. The rebuilt Church of San Bernardo also stands on its shores, replacing the original submerged structure. This area offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and early 20th-century engineering history.

The best time to visit the alpine lakes around Mezzenile is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (June to September), when trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable for hiking and outdoor activities. During specific times, like Thursdays from late June to early August, the road to Lago di Malciaussia is reserved exclusively for cyclists, offering a unique experience.

Beyond hiking to the lakes themselves, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous mountain hikes, such as the moderate "Punta Sourela loop from Col San Giovanni" or the challenging "Laghetto del Civrari – Punta Imperatoria loop from Niquidetto." For cycling enthusiasts, the road to Lake Malciaussia is particularly scenic. You can find more detailed routes and guides for various sports like hiking and mountain biking on the Hiking around Mezzenile or MTB Trails around Mezzenile guide pages.

While popular lakes like Green Lakes can attract families, many of the alpine lakes in the Valli di Lanzo, such as Lake Paschiet, are known for their quiet and evocative environments, especially if you venture a bit further from the main access points. These offer a more serene experience amidst wilder valleys.

While many lakes require hiking, Lago di Malciaussia can be reached by car. However, be aware that the road from Margone can be winding and steep in parts. For a more immersive experience, hikers can also follow the old Decauville path to Lago di Malciaussia, which offers panoramic views.

The terrain around Mezzenile lakes is diverse, ranging from lush valleys to higher alpine elevations. Trails often pass through forests, rhododendron stretches, and alpine pastures. Some routes, like those leading to Lago Paschiet, can have steep sections, requiring good physical effort, but are generally well-defined.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty and the diverse experiences offered. Many enjoy the quiet environment of lakes like Lake Paschiet, the family-friendly atmosphere and swimming opportunities at Green Lakes, and the unique combination of natural vistas and historical significance found at Lago di Malciaussia. The area is also highly rated for its scenic views and opportunities for observing local flora and fauna.

Yes, Lago di Malciaussia serves as an excellent starting point for more challenging hikes and climbs to several high-altitude peaks, including Rocciamelone, Monte Lera, Punta Costan, and Punta Sulè. Similarly, Laghetto del Civrari is often visited as part of climbs to Punta Imperatoria or Punta della Croce, offering routes for experienced trekkers.

The road from Ghitera to Lago di Malciaussia is a beautiful mountain road suitable for both mountain bikers and road cyclists. A unique opportunity exists every Thursday from late June to early August, when the road is reserved exclusively for cyclists, closed to motorized vehicles from 11:30 to 15:30, providing a fantastic car-free ascent.