Trekking to Lago Pian Palù and the charcoal pits of the Val di Peio.

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Trekking to Lago Pian Palù and the charcoal pits of the Val di Peio.

Category

Difficulty

Moderate

Activity time

3:28

Durata in ore

Distance

9.7

Distance in km

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A circular trekking route along Lago Pian Palù and its emerald reflections, discovering 16th-century larches and historic charcoal pits.

A circular route with fascinating panoramic views along Lago Pian Palù, an artificial basin created for hydroelectric purposes in the 1950s, with characteristic emerald reflections, leading to the discovery of spectacular 16th-century larches below Malga Paludèi and various charcoal pits between the Paludèi and Giumella mountain huts. This hiking trail is one of the four dendrochronological routes of the Stelvio National Park in the valleys of Rabbi and Peio ("Sentieri Dendrocronologici del Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio"), made possible thanks to dendrochronology, i.e., tree dating. In the 15th and 16th centuries, large forest areas in the Peio valley were cleared to produce charcoal, which was used to fuel the blast furnaces for iron extraction in the local mines. The dendrochronological analysis of charcoal pieces excavated from the charcoal piles of Pian Palù proves that a further clear-cutting took place in 1858/59.

The lake of Pian Palù

Photos: Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio - Trentino, Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio (settore Trentino)

Route info

Moderate

Distance

9.7 km

Activity time

3:28 h.

Uphill Elevation

485 m

Downhill elevation

486 m

Physical effort

Scenary

Highest point

2109 m

Lowest point

1685 m

Height difference

424 m

Copyright

Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio

Safety information

The information contained in this sheet is subject to inevitable changes, therefore no indication has absolute value. It is impossible to completely avoid inaccuracies or imprecisions, considering the rapid changes in environmental or weather conditions that may occur. In this regard, we disclaim all responsibility for any changes experienced by the user. It is recommended, however, to verify before undertaking a hike, the state of the places and the environmental or weather conditions.

10 tips for your hikes:

1) prepare your itinerary

2) choose a route appropriate to your level of fitness

3) choose suitable equipment and gear

4) check snow and weather bulletins

5) setting off alone is more risky

6) leave information about your itinerary and approximate return time

7) do not hesitate to rely on a professional

8) pay attention to directions and signage on the route

9) do not hesitate to retrace your steps

10) in case of accident, raise the alarm by calling the emergency number 112

Starting point

Fontanino di Celentino

Directions

The starting point of the route is Fontanino di Celentino (1,680 m), in Val del Monte, where there is a Park parking area. From here, take the CAI-SAT 110 trail which mostly skirts Lago di Pian Palù. Above the lake, you encounter Malga Pian Palù and continuing on, you ascend to Malga Paludèi, the highest panoramic point on the circular route. Then you descend along the left side of the valley, following the mule track marked CAI-SAT 124. At a certain point, there is a detour allowing the visit to the charcoal pits, after which you resume trail 124 leading towards Malga Giumella and the Fontanino parking, concluding the itinerary.

Public transportation

The starting point of this itinerary is not reachable by public transport.

For more information:

Trentino Trasporti S.p.A.

www.trentinotrasporti.it

How to get there

From the village of Peio Fonti, reach the locality Fontanino di Celentino by car.

Where to park

Park parking area at Fontanino di Celentino.

Hiking clothing and equipment suitable for the alpine environment are recommended, in particular:

mountain boots
trekking poles
waterproof wind jacket