Prata

Rio di Prata Last Update: 30.07.2026 by Daniel Sturm
Country: Italia / Italy
Region: Piemonte
Subregion: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Town: Vogogna
v4 a2 III
5h10
1h30
3h30
10min
600m
240m
360m
x
45m
2x50
10
1500m
on Foot
Rating:
★★★★★
3.3 (1)
Info:
★★★
0 ()
Belay:
★★★
0 ()
Summary:
Discontinuous stream, with a few nice rappels, especially in the final section.
June - October
West
Summary:
Discontinuous stream, with a few nice rappels, especially in the final section.
Access:
From the A26 highway, take the exit for Piedimulera and head toward Vogogna. After the bridge over the Toce River, turn left into the tunnel and continue until reaching Prata. Park near the War Memorial (Monumento ai Caduti) along the road.
Approach (1 h 30):
From the parking area, take the road leading into the village. The road continues and starts to climb steeply. Shortly after the start of the climb, take a marked trail on the left (red-and-white trail markers) that later rejoins the road. Continue uphill along the steep narrow road, which turns into a dirt track in some stretches. Pass through the hamlets of Sella and Pianezzo, always following the trail markers. Past Pianezzo, the trail becomes a mule track and reaches the Quana hut (baita di Quana). Continue—now with a gentler incline—until you reach the edge of the gorge and, shortly after, Mot dul Tor (wooden sign). Just before the sign, where there are two other faded wooden signs, leave the marked trail and take the path to the left heading along the hillside. The path is not always obvious and can cause some confusion in certain spots. Do not lose elevation and look for the markers (cairns, cut branches, etc.), which are always present even if not always easily visible. Avoid any junctions heading downhill to the left. If you stay on the correct route, you will reach a fairly exposed ledge equipped with a steel cable, which is a mandatory passage. After the ledge, continue flat for a short stretch and then descend steeply toward the riverbed, where you will find some ruins. Along this last unmarked section, use the waterfall visible through the trees as a landmark (clearly visible from the ledge): the entry point is right upstream of the waterfall, so stay higher up and only descend at the very end.
Tour (3 h 30):
Anchor Points: French-style chain anchors integrated with other materials, especially in the final section. Generally dated, to be considered temporary/expedient. Escape Routes: A few fisherman trails on the left bank (orographic left).
Return (10 min):
After the last waterfall, follow the riverbed and exit wherever possible into the village, then walk back to the car.
Hydrology:
Usually does not pose any problems, even after rain. Visible on the last two waterfalls.