Short but majestic gorge. From its entrance, you immediately realize you are stepping into a true canyon—narrow, deep, dark, and stern.

Short but majestic gorge. From its entrance, you immediately realize you are stepping into a true canyon—narrow, deep, dark, and stern.

Follow directions toward Menaggio. Just after leaving Porlezza, past the bridge crossing our stream, turn left uphill onto Via Stazione for a few meters, then turn left and park the first car in the large parking lot next to the river. With the second car, head back toward Porlezza and follow the main road (strada statale) up to the first traffic light. Turn right uphill following signs for Corrido, pass through the village, and continue toward Carlazzo. Cross the viaduct running over the gorge to reach the town center, immediately drive down Via Mulini, and park where possible.

Reach the stream at the end of Via Mulini.

The route begins in an open environment, but after a few downclimbable drops, the walls become increasingly narrow and high. The stream wedges itself into a deep corridor preceding the big waterfall. On the left, where the first anchor with a traverse line is installed, you realize you are facing a remarkable vertical drop: a waterfall of about 75 meters (10 + 65) plunges down thunderously in a highly evocative setting before crashing onto the rocks just above the plunge pool. At this point, the walls rise over 150 meters high, and the gorge is no wider than 15 meters, with no escape routes available. To negotiate the descent, you must use the 3 re-belays/redirects to reach the anchor station located behind the arête, 10 meters lower and shifted a few meters off-plumb (triple anchor setup). Reaching the anchor station is not easy; once at the hanging belay, you get a foretaste of the rappel, which certainly does not disappoint: about 65 meters alongside a wall of water falling vertically into the pool below with a deafening roar. While descending, be careful not to slip on the slick, sharp limestone; the lower you go, the more impressive the waterfall becomes. Upon reaching its base, the water pouring into the large pool creates waves and sprays, generating a peculiar draft mixed with mist. Continuing downstream, the gorge still holds a few surprises and a couple of jumps; where the canyon opens up just before a beautiful stone bridge lies the end of the route. Short but technically demanding gorge. The rigging for the big waterfall is, out of necessity, highly exposed and airy; consequently, reaching it requires good climbing technique and agility. Canyon strictly for expert canyoneers only.

As soon as the gorge opens up, you will encounter an old stone bridge. Pass underneath it on the left and continue to the power station, near which you exit on the right. Follow the power station's access road until reaching a bridge. Cross the bridge, turn right, and take the staircase descending from the church square down to the parking lot.