If you are a lover of mountains and hiking, Mount Lefre Refuge in Valsugana is the ideal destination for an autumn hike. In this article we will guide you through a hike that will allow you to experience nature at its most authentic, as the colors of autumn make their way through the woods and meadows, before the snow covers the trails. A hike of about 13 km, which will take you from the village of Ivano Fracena to the refuge, at an altitude of 1282 meters, giving you breathtaking views and a fascinating history.
Useful information for trekking
📍 Starting point: hamlet of Ivano Fracena
⛰️ Arrival: Monte Lefre
⏱️ Travel time: 4h41
📏 Length: 13.11 km
〽️ Height difference: +/- 1105 meters
🪧 Signage: trail marker no. 329
Starting point: Ivano Fracena
The hike to Mount Lefre Refuge begins from the picturesque hamlet of Ivano Fracena, located in the heart of Valsugana. From here, you will take the trail marked number 329. A path that winds through coniferous forests and golden meadows, offering a spectacle of colors that will make you feel immersed in the beauty of nature.
The Trail and the Bronzale Valley
After about 45 minutes of walking, you will come to a fork with signs for the Orco Bridge. From here, the trail enters the wild Bronzale Valley, an unspoiled valley that will surprise you with its sunny and lonely gullies. Along the way, you will also find an ancient bridge that has a fascinating history related to local legends.
Floriani Meadows and Ascent to Mount Lefre
Continuing along the trail, you will arrive at Floriani Meadows, an area that offers splendid views of the surrounding valley. Here you can stop for a short break and enjoy the ever-changing landscape. After passing through the forest, you will face the last stretch of ascent that will take you to the plateau of Mount Lefre, where the refuge of the same name is located, at 1282 meters above sea level.
The refuge is the perfect end point for this hike, but it doesn’t end there. Just a 10-minute walk away, you will reach Cimone, a vantage point that offers spectacular views of the Valsugana. Here you can take unforgettable photos and appreciate the majesty of nature around you.
You return to the starting point by following a comfortable forest road that will take you back to Ivano Fracena. On the way, you will go through the forest and pass through the village of Strigno, until you return to the starting point. A relaxing return will allow you to reflect on the beauty of the hike you have just experienced.
One of the most fascinating legends associated with this hike is that of the Ogre Bridge. The story goes that, in order to save his flock, a shepherd boy sold his soul to the devil, who commissioned an ogre to throw a bridge across the impassable valley. The bridge allowed the shepherd boy and his flock to cross, but at a very high price. This legend adds a mysterious touch to the beauty of the landscape you will encounter along the way.
Image credits to Bagaglioleggero.it
