Giro della Valle del Salto

Hiking on historical footpaths in the untouched Valle del Salto near Maggia. In the shade of birches and chestnut trees, you pass the region’s typical country-style homes and pretty churches, including a votive chapel with frescoes by Giovanni Antonio Vanoni.

The circular hike starts in the heart of the village at the Maggia, centro bus stop. After a few minutes, the route passes the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmelo, which has been documented since 1579. Beyond the last houses, the mountain trail begins to climb, and the forest soon dominates the scenery.

The steady ascent leads to the settlements of A Talpígn and In Canaa. Open meadows and pastures break up the wooded hillside. At In Canaa, the route reaches its highest point at around 875 m. By this stage, most of the approximately 700 metres of ascent has been completed.

The route then turns downhill. The mountain trail runs through extensive stretches of forest back to Maggia. Shortly before the finish, Locanda Poncini lies directly on the route. A little later, the circuit closes at the bus stop. A good three and a half hours should be allowed for the nine kilometres.