Botanical Path to the Cascate di Fanes

Description

From the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites Information Point, take path 10. It is an almost flat asphalt road through the forest that follows the Ru de Fanes stream. Along this stretch, a magical botanical path has been set up with the contribution of the children of the Scuola Montessori di Cortina: in fact, you will find many information signs indicating the names of plants, shrubs and flowers with some interesting curiosities. This beautiful stretch of valley floor is in fact particularly rich in flora with no less than 28 types of shrubs, at 14 types of trees and as many as 15 different species of orchids, including the rare and protected Venus's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), the most beautiful of the Italian orchids, as well as the fly flower (Ophrys muscifera) and Malaxis monophyllos. After half an hour, you will reach a crossroads with a wooden table. From here, keeping to the right along a dirt road, you can reach the beautiful clearing of Pian de Loa with a small cason with a wooden fountain ("brento" in the Ampezzo language) in a few minutes. This is an ideal place for a pleasant re-energising break, either in the sun or in the shelter of the trees surrounding the clearing. From here, turn back to the edge of the meadow and, to the right, follow the signs for the Belvedere on the Cascate di Fanes until you cross the Ponte Outo over the Boite stream. The succession of pools, cataracts and waterfalls that characterise the entire course of the Ru de Fanes stream is of extraordinary beauty. Ascend to the right, following the signpost for the "Canyons and Waterfalls Path" until you reach the vantage point, which offers a spectacular view of the Cascate Basse di Fanes, among the highest and most abundant in the Dolomites. The belvedere is a place of incredible beauty that provides a privileged view of the majestic waterfall plunging into the deep canyon. In the spring period, the waterfalls will be particularly spectacular, thanks to the abundant water from melting snow. For the return journey it is advisable to follow the outward route.