Vallon dei Cavai -Vallon Pissavacca , Mt Carega (Cherle)

This is one of the most solitary yet majestic hikes on Mount Carega. The Cherle subgroup offers both lovely secluded spots and wide-open spaces. It is a bit less well-known than other areas in these mountains, but its slopes are full of plant life, and the area offers peace and serenity. We will approach it at the foot of the gravelly and steep base that runs along the Vallarsa.

Once you have reached the Rifugio Campogrosso (Recoaro Terme, Vicenza), you will need to take the road to Obra (TN). Please note that car transit is forbidden (you may get fined if you drive down the road or park alongside it). Once at the end of the concrete road (Forcella M. di Mezzo, 1168 mt above sea level), carry on along the dirt road that will lead you into the bucolic Val Gerlàno. Walk past the Vajo delle Bisse Bianche (on the left), a fresh water fountain, and get to the gravelly elevation know as Giare Larghe (1057 mt). You will need to climb the debris on the left, while following the stone cairns and the (rare) red signs: please notice that the footpath is seldom visible in this part, so caution is advised. Once you get to the top of the Giare Larghe, you will have to turn left and start "climbing" the Vallon de Cavai, in-between the Pala dei Tre Compagni (on the left) and the Guglia Trulla (right). At the top of the long Vallon, you will find yourself in a splendid rocky amphitheater known as Busa della Neve. Turn left, climb the last steep, gravelly and slippery bit, and you will reach Bocchetta della Neve. From here, you can take the Mulattiera d'Arroccamento (turn left) in order to reach the Bocchetta del Cherlòng, just below the Rifugio Mario Fraccaroli on Cima Carega (2230 mt). Take the path on the left (Vallon Pissavacca). It will be a little slippery at first, then you will enter the rocky Vallon and, finally, descend steep woody terrain to find yourself back on the road that connects Campogrosso and Obra.

The hike lasts approximately 6/7 hours, and it is not easy. Only expert hikers should adventure on the trail, provided that they are in good physical and mental shape.

! Disclaimer: the Vallon dei Cavai is currently (2021) not subject to maintenance. At the top of the trail - though not at the bottom - a sign marks it as "Inagibile", i.e. closed. Only use it at your peril.

Check out my other videos on Hiking' Vicenza!