Hike to the Monticelli Brusati Waterfalls

In the Gaina Valley, in Monticelli Brusati, lies the Sentiero della Cascate, a fascinating circular nature trail, notable for a small canyon carved out by the erosion of the local stream and for the presence of several small waterfalls.

THE PATH

Once you reach the centre of Monticelli Brusati, you can leave your car in one of the four designated car parks. From here, continue on foot along Via Foina, taking care to watch out for traffic, passing through the hamlet of the same name and continuing along the tarmac road until you reach the junction with Via Colombaia, where the road becomes Via Gaina. The route starts from the hamlet of Gaina, where a white and pink signpost marked ‘SC’ points to a narrow track—initially tarmac, then unpaved—leading to the picturesque stream.

The trail offers two routes; the one described here takes the “Experts’ Route” on the way out and “Route B” on the way back. The path descends towards the stream, crossing a small canyon. After passing a niche containing a small statue of the Virgin Mary and crossing the stream several times, you reach the first metal ladder to the right of a waterfall. After climbing it, the path runs alongside some rock formations and, aided by chains and metal rungs, passes through a narrow gorge carved out by the water, until it reaches another waterfall that marks the end of the valley.

The next section involves going round the waterfall on the left using a long chain; this is considered the most challenging part of the route and should be tackled with caution. A little further on, you come to another waterfall, next to which is a head carved into the rock, known as “Mostasù”. After climbing the second metal ladder to the left of the waterfall, the path continues along a section equipped with a plastic-coated metal cable, which leads back to the stream. Cross the stream again and exit the woods, first reaching some stone buildings and then a grassy clearing. Following the signs for “Variant B”, climb up a final stretch of the valley until you meet the stream again, which you cross for the last time on the right bank, thus completing the return journey to Gaina.

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO PARK

If you are coming from Lake Iseo, take the SP 510 towards Brescia and exit at Ome/Monticelli Brusati. If you are coming from Brescia, follow the SP 510 towards Lake Iseo, taking the Ome/Monticelli Brusati exit.
Continue following the signs for the centre of Monticelli Brusati and for the four free car parks, located at various distances from the start of the trail: P1 at 2.2 km, P2 at 1.9 km, P3 at 1.3 km and P4 at 1 km.

USEFUL INFORMATION

The Waterfall Trail can be walked at any time of year, although spring and summer are the best seasons. It is not advisable to attempt the walk on rainy days and, given the nature of the route, it is advisable to check in advance whether it is accessible. We recommend wearing hiking boots and carrying a carabiner to safely navigate the secured section of the trail.