Cimetta Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

Start your hike with a five-minute suspended cable car ride from Orselina to Cardada. Look for the start of the trailhead just northeast of the Albergo Cardada where you depart from the cable car.

The first portion of the hike follows a paved path. You'll get glimpses of the stunning alpine scenery through the pines until coming to the Cimmetta chairlift. At Cimmetta, there is also an alpine hut and a geological observatory - look for a red line that signifies the Periadriatic Seam, a geologic fault that runs through southern Europe.

From the altitude of 1,670 meters at Cimmetta, you'll enjoy breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Magadino Plain, the lake, and the surrounding mountains, including several alpine peaks. Once you have had your fill of the scenery, continue on your hike.

From Cimmetta, you'll continue to climb until coming to Cima della Trosa. The path is still wide and the grade, although steady, it not too taxing. Be sure to take the short out and back on the Cima della Trosa Trail to the summit of Cima della Trosa.

After admiring the view, retrace your steps back to the Cimetta Trail, and head down to the beautiful village of Mergoscia, in Valle Verzasca. From here, you'll enjoy a steady descent through the sunny Valle di Mergoscia where you may spot a few small groups of stone houses, and will head past the Alpe di Bietri (known for its fresh cheeses).

The last stretch is shaded and stays primarily in the woods until you reach the village of Mergoscia which is seated above Lake Vogorno. If you have some extra time to explore the town, be sure to visit Saints Gottardo e Carpoforo, a beautiful church that the town is known for. From Mergoscia, you can take the bus back to Locarno.