Waterfall Trail -Sant'Annapelago

In the heart of the Modenese Apennines, just above Pievepelago, lies Sant’Annapelago, a small mountain village surrounded by beech and fir woods.
Here begins the Waterfall Trail, a medium-difficulty loop itinerary that leads to a series of natural waterfalls set between rocky walls and crystal-clear streams.
It’s the perfect route for those who love trekking, nature, and the unspoiled landscapes of the Emilian Apennines.

• Starting and ending point: Sant’Annapelago (hamlet of Pievepelago – MO)

• Altitude: 1,050 – 1,170 m

• Route type: Loop

• Total length: approx. 12 km

• Positive elevation gain: +530 m

• Average duration: 4–5 hours (including breaks)

• Trail signs: SDC (Sentiero delle Cascate)

• Difficulty: E – Hiking level

• Best time to visit: April to October

• Starting point: “La Torre” sports area (parking available)

The Waterfall Trail is well-marked and stretches for about 12 km, winding through forest paths, small wooden bridges, and rocky sections with roots underfoot.
The hike starts from the parking area of the “La Torre” sports field, where you’ll also find a bar—useful as a starting or ending point.
From here, follow Via Borracce and then Via Casa delle Rose, keeping to the SDC signs.

The first part of the trail climbs gently through beech and fir woods. It’s cool and shaded—ideal even on hot summer days.
After the initial ascent, the path levels out, offering an easy and relaxing walk for about 4 km.

Along the way you’ll come across several natural waterfalls, each with its own shape and personality.

Rioo Waterfall

The first waterfall you’ll meet on the trail. It’s not very tall, but the setting is magical: a natural amphitheater of moss-covered rocks and clear water flowing gently downward.
Nearby you’ll also find the Rioo Spring, perfect for refilling your bottle with fresh drinking water.

Bandita Waterfall

About 40 minutes further, you’ll reach this wider and more scenic waterfall.
You’ll hear the sound of the water well before you arrive, and the path leading there is one of the most charming, with wooden bridges crossing small streams and a dense green forest all around.

Sassorso Waterfall

A more secluded and quiet waterfall, often less visited.
It’s a great spot to stop, rest, and enjoy the silence of the woods.

Terzino Waterfall

Here the trail becomes more demanding, with steeper ascents and descents.
The ground can be slippery—especially after rain—so good hiking shoes with grip are recommended.

Cascadora Waterfall

The most famous and spectacular of them all.
A double drop of water along a rock wall, forming a crystal-clear pool at its base.
The descent to reach it is steep and can be slippery, so caution is needed.
If you prefer not to tackle the final descent, you can stop at the panoramic viewpoint and admire the waterfall from above.

The trail crosses one of the greenest and most lush areas of the Modenese Apennines.
Beech and fir forests provide shade and cool air for most of the year, while open clearings offer panoramic views over the Pelago valley.

Along the hike, you’ll often come across small streams, moss, ferns, and occasionally local wildlife such as squirrels, roe deer, and mountain birds.
The abundance of water makes the landscape especially scenic in spring and after rainy periods, when the waterfalls are at their fullest.

Useful tips for the hike

• Equipment: hiking boots, trekking poles (recommended), light backpack with at least 1L of water, rain jacket, and energy snacks.

• Trail conditions: muddy in spring or after rain; avoid smooth-soled shoes.

• Safety: some sections leading to the lower waterfalls (especially Cascadora) are steep—take your time and be careful.

• Right for: hikers with a bit of experience or good fitness; not recommended for small children or people with mobility issues.

• Services: bars and restaurants available in Sant’Annapelago; no refreshment points along the trail.

The best time to hike the Waterfall Trail is between April and October.
In spring, the water is abundant and the forest is lush; in summer, the shade keeps temperatures pleasant; in autumn, the foliage paints the woods in unforgettable colors.
In winter, the trail is not recommended due to ice and slippery conditions.

Sant’Annapelago’s Waterfall Trail is one of the most fascinating and accessible hikes in the Modenese Apennines.
It’s a route where woods, water, and silence blend perfectly, offering an authentic experience to anyone looking to disconnect and explore a mountain still off the beaten path.

Perfect for a day surrounded by nature and movement, it offers views, sounds, and scents you’ll want to remember.
A route that shows how you don’t need high peaks to experience the beauty of the mountains in full.

Sant’Annapelago is located about 75 km from Modena (1h 40 min by car), 55 km from Abetone (around 1 hour), and 15 km from Pievepelago.
You can reach it by following the SS12 “dell’Abetone e del Brennero” road, then following signs for Pievepelago and later for Sant’Annapelago.
The recommended starting point is the “La Torre” sports area, where you’ll find parking and a bar with the same name.