Best waterfalls around Erve are found in the Lombard Prealps, near the town of Erve in the province of Lecco, Italy. This region is characterized by its natural setting, offering diverse landscapes with woods, alpine meadows, and various water features. The area provides opportunities for excursions and walks, with trails leading to natural attractions. It is known for its streams, springs, and pools that form waterfalls.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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The San Carlo Spring is located near Erve, a small town in the Lombard Prealps, in the province of Lecco. The spring is one of the most well-known local natural resources, which flows near the Hermitage of San Carlo, a place of worship and meditation dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo. The spring is located in a very suggestive natural setting, in an area rich in woods and alpine meadows, ideal for a stop during an excursion. The path that leads to the spring crosses quiet and panoramic paths, ideal for those looking for a light and regenerating excursion, far from the chaos of the city. The San Carlo Spring is a place much appreciated for its natural beauty and the tranquility it offers, and is an ideal destination for excursions, walks or even for those who simply want to enjoy the freshness of the waters in an uncontaminated environment.
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The Sentiero San Carlo ad Erve is a hiking trail that not only offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, but also includes some of the most fascinating natural features of the area, such as the pools and waterfalls that flow from the Fiume S. Carlo stream. The trail, which passes through woods and clearings, is known for its natural pools, small lagoons formed by water flowing over rocks, creating fascinating natural pools. These pools are the ideal place for a refreshing break during the hike, and some sections of the trail allow you to observe waterfalls that slide between the rocks, creating suggestive and relaxing scenarios. The waterfalls, which develop along the course of the stream, add a further element of beauty to the trail, with the water that noisily descends between the rocks, fueling the sensation of being in a pristine corner of nature. These sections are particularly loved by hikers looking for an immersive experience in a serene natural environment rich in water. The Sentiero San Carlo is therefore not only a panoramic walk but also an opportunity to discover these small natural wonders, with the possibility of taking a break near the pools or waterfalls, enjoying the tranquility of the place. The excursion is particularly fascinating in spring and autumn, when the landscape is more lush and the water flows abundantly.
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Incredible section, with a few tricky sections of via ferrata (climbing/scrambling with the help of chains). If you're fit and patient enough, you're rewarded with these spectacular pools. Recently reopened after repairs with a slight variation from the map route, so be sure to follow the red/white markers!
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Path reopened on November 9, 2024: https://www.leccotoday.it/attualita/sentiero-delle-vasche-frana-lavori-riapertura-.html Path equipped with chains that help progression and overcome some exposed sections. I recommend watching this video, and reading the recommendations in the description: https://youtu.be/ZSsSdDI3trk?si=mQbmyW2trWf2lD-Y
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The San Carlo spring is a source of drinking water. The apex point of the Erve tub path, here too it is possible to stop in the shade of the trees and use the picnic tables for a snack.
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The pools of Erve have a peculiarity: you have to go looking for the best ones. In this second part of the path there are certainly the most beautiful pools for swimming, with waterfalls and natural slides. But they are also the most populated in the high season. Don't worry: the most experienced and well-equipped hikers will be able to find more solitary corners by browsing around.
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A splendid canyon dug by the Inferno river at the gates of Valmadrera. The path is equipped with steps, chains and everything needed to go up the river and reach the waterfall. Along the way it is possible to stop and swim, if you are not too cold. Beautiful to observe how it changes depending on the time of day and the seasons.
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Very scenic waterfall, located at the source of the Enna river. Going up (with caution, the area is very humid and full of moss) to the top of the waterfall, you can admire the cave from which the Enna river flows.
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The Erve area in the Lombard Prealps offers a variety of water features, including scenic waterfalls, natural springs, and stream-fed pools. You can find everything from natural monuments like the Waterfall at the Source of the Enna, where a river emerges from a cave, to natural pools suitable for swimming and natural slides at the Pools and Waterfalls of the San Carlo Stream.
Yes, the San Carlo Spring is a notable natural monument and a source of drinking water. It's a well-known local natural resource located in a suggestive natural setting, ideal for a refreshing stop during an excursion. Additionally, the Waterfall at the Source of the Enna is unique as the river flows directly from a cave.
The Pools and Waterfalls of the San Carlo Stream are particularly known for their natural pools suitable for swimming, complete with waterfalls and natural slides. While popular in high season, more solitary spots can be found by exploring. The Vasche di Valmadrera also offers spectacular pools where you can stop and swim, though the trail to reach them is more challenging.
Spring is often considered the best time to visit, especially for waterfalls like the Waterfall at the Source of the Enna, when the water flow is abundant, and the surrounding mosses and flowers are lush. The Pools and Waterfalls of the San Carlo Stream are also particularly fascinating in spring and autumn.
Some areas are more family-friendly than others. The San Carlo Spring offers picnic tables and is reached via quiet, panoramic paths suitable for a light and regenerating excursion. The trail to Toscio Stream Waterfalls and Picnic Area from the Abbey of S. Pietro al Monte is simple and doesn't require special equipment, making it a good option for families.
Yes, you can find picnic facilities near some waterfalls. The San Carlo Spring provides picnic tables in the shade of trees. Additionally, the Toscio Stream Waterfalls and Picnic Area has a small dedicated picnic area where you can relax by the stream.
The difficulty varies. Trails to the San Carlo Spring and the initial part of the Toscio Stream Waterfalls are generally simple. However, some routes, like the one to Vasche di Valmadrera, are challenging, equipped with chains and exposed sections, and may require a hint of climbing. Always check trail conditions and difficulty before heading out.
Beyond exploring the waterfalls, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain hiking, including challenging via ferrata trails. There are also options for cycling and gravel biking, with routes around the lakes of Garlate and Olginate, or more demanding climbs like Palio Pass.
The Sentiero San Carlo is a notable hiking trail that leads to the Pools and Waterfalls of the San Carlo Stream. This trail winds through woods and clearings, allowing you to discover multiple natural pools and waterfalls along the way, offering an immersive experience in a serene natural environment rich in water.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many enjoy the refreshing breaks offered by the natural pools and the scenic views. The unique features, such as the cave at the Waterfall at the Source of the Enna and the natural slides at the Pools and Waterfalls of the San Carlo Stream, are frequently highlighted. The opportunity for a cool break and immersion in an uncontaminated environment is a common theme.
Yes, the Vasche di Valmadrera involves a challenging trail equipped with chains and some exposed sections, making it more demanding than other river trails in the area. It requires fitness and patience, but rewards hikers with spectacular pools.
The area is rich in natural beauty, with woods and alpine meadows. Near the Toscio Stream Waterfalls, you might even spot small newts in the placid pools. The lush environment, especially in spring, provides opportunities to observe various mosses and flowers.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Erve: