Ponale

Mountainbiking

Ponale

For more than a century the Ponale road has enchanted travellers. This route is ideal for all those who want to enjoy a nice cycling trip and a breath-taking view over Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains.

The road overlooks the northernmost part of Lake Garda and the lower Sarca. Mount Brione, between Riva and Torbole, and Mount Baldo can be seen in the distance. The vegetation is sparse and Mediterranean. It consists of cypresses and holm oaks that manage to grow through the rocks. The Ponale road was paramount to hold Riva and the North Garda Lake, then at the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire (to which Trentino belonged) and the Kingdom of Italy. Because of its strategical value to Austria-Hungary, it was at the centre of an extensive network of fortifications since 1860. Fort Teodosio dates back to this period. It owes its name to the finding of some coins from the reign of Emperor Theodosius. The fort was built to close off the road to those coming from Ledro. The port of Riva was defended by the Bellavista battery (or della Madonnina), just a few metres above the lake. The fortifications stopped Garibaldi from invading Trentino through Riva and forced him to go through the Giudicarie and Ledro. The construction of the Tagliata (barrier) del Ponale began in 1904. It was part of a defensive plan put in action by the Austro-Hungarian Army in the whole of Trentino. The Tagliata is a network of tunnels and passageways excavated in the rock. It starts at the height of the seventh tunnel coming up from Riva (150 m / 500 ft) and reaches down to the lake. From the road, embrasures and doors can still be seen. The Tagliata guaranteed Austria-Hungary the control of Riva throughout the First World War. Excavations did not stop until 1918.

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recommended route Mountainbiking · Garda Trentino closed

From Lake Garda to Lake Ledro via Ponale

Responsible for this content
Garda Trentino

Piazza III Novembre in Riva del Garda
Photo: Archivio Garda Trentino (ph. Watchsome), Garda Trentino

This route passes through an inaccessible area and is therefore closed. Current information

Selected alternatives for you

closed

moderate

Distance 32.4 km

3:00 h

970 m

694 m

66 m

The road overlooks the northernmost part of Lake Garda and the lower Sarca valley. Monte Brione, between Riva and Torbole, and Monte Baldo can be seen in the distance. The vegetation is sparse and Mediterranean. It consists of cypresses and holm oaks that manage to grow through the rocks.

The Ponale road was paramount to hold Riva and the North Garda Lake, then at the border between the Austro-Hungarian Empire (to which Trentino belonged) and the Kingdom of Italy. Because of its strategical value to Austria-Hungary, it was at the centre of an extensive network of fortifications since 1860.

Fort Teodosio dates back to this period. It owes its name to the finding of some coins from the reign of Emperor Theodosius. The fort was built to close off the road to those coming from Ledro. The port of Riva was defended by the Bellavista battery (or della Madonnina), just a few metres above the lake. The fortifications stopped Garibaldi from invading Trentino through Riva and forced him to go through the Giudicarie and Ledro.

The construction of the Tagliata (barrier) del Ponale began in 1904. It was part of a defensive plan put in action by the Austro-Hungarian Army in the whole of Trentino. The Tagliata is a network of tunnels and passageways excavated in the rock. It starts at the height of the seventh tunnel coming up from Riva (150 m / 500 ft) and reaches down to the lake. From the road, embrasures and doors can still be seen. The Tagliata guaranteed Austria-Hungary the control of Riva throughout the First World War. Excavations did not stop until 1918.

Author’s recommendation

Once at Lake Ledro do not miss the opportunity to jump into its refreshing waters

Author

Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino AC

Responsible for this content
Garda Trentino

Difficulty

moderate

Overall difficulty

moderate

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

Dos de Pur, 694 m

Lowest point

Riva del Garda, 66 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Track types

Asphalt

15.1 km

Dirt road

5.9 km

Path

110 m

Road

11.2 km

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Safety Tips

Always wear your helmet.
Plan your ride.
You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
Let your speed be determined by your experience.
Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect.
Cycle only on authorized and open trails.
Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further.
Respect public and private property.
Always be self-sufficient.
Do not cycle solo in remote areas.

This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.

Tips and suggestions

Picked your route? Now find the right experts to go with it. Make the most of every ride with support from local MTB specialists – from guides and rentals to shuttle services and workshops.

Roadbook

The trail starts out on the lake front in Riva del Garda, in front of the Garda Trentino tourist information office. Take the cycle path which leads along Viale della Liberazione towards the centre of Riva. Pass the imposing structure of the Rocca and Piazza III Novembre, coming to the main road Gardesana Occidentale at the harbour. From here, follow the cycle path, which leads to the start of the famous Ponale Trail. This stretch of the route, on a dirt road, has an incomparable panorama.

Without any alternative trail suitable for a bike we come to the end of the dirt road at the Ponale Alto Belvedere snack bar. At the nearby junction, keep right in the direction of Lake Ledro. Before the tunnel, turn left to cross the valley and the torrent avoiding the main road. Once on the road leading to Pregasina, go to the right and then, before the bridge, take the little road on your left. The trail to follow to get to Lake Ledro is clear. Cycle through Pre and Molina as far as the lake.

We cycle along the southern side of the lake, at first on asphalt road as far as Pur and then on cycle path, and we reach Pieve.

Return along the same route.

Rest stop

Tip

Nearby

Top Partner

Waypoint

Start point

End point

Low point

High point

Forecast

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Photo

Video

E-Bike Stop Info point Riva del Garda
Vecchia Stazione
Info Point Riva del Garda
Spiaggia degli Olivi
MAG - Museo Alto Garda - Riva del Garda Museum
Rostel
Reptiland
Ristorante Bellavista
Torre Apponale
Centrale Idroelettrica Riva del Garda - Hydrotour Dolomiti
Bike Stop Bivio Pregasina
Bike Stop Prè
E-Bike Stop Info Point Molina
Ristorante Cima d'Oro
Lake Ledro Pile-dwelling Museum
Ristorante Pizzeria Bar Valmaria
Ristorante Lido
Ristorante da Franco e Adriana
Speck & Stube Green Ice
E-Bike Stop Info Point Pieve

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Valle di Ledro is connected to Riva del Garda by the intercity bus line 214 (Riva-Valle di Ledro-Storo).

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

Get Timetable to destination

From Lake Garda to Lake Ledro via Ponale

Directions

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

Parking

Parking between Via Imperiale and Via Nuova in Pieve, near the info point.

Coordinates

45.885046, 10.844866

DMS

45°53'06.2"N 10°50'41.5"E

UTM

32T 643147 5082930

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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Author’s map recommendations

Garda Trentino BIKE Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)

Equipment

Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!

Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.

What do I need to bring on my bike tour?

An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
Waterproof / Windproof jacket
A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
Suncream
Sunglasses
Bike gloves/mitts
Map or GPS device
Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
First aid kit
Emergency whistle