Cammino Retico: Cima Campo and Croce d'Aune Loop

This loop is classified as difficult and requires a very good fitness level. It features substantial ascents, including the challenging Cima Campo (approx. 18.8 km with over 1100m elevation gain) and Croce d'Aune. You'll need strong climbing ability and confidence in descents.

The route offers several notable points of interest. You'll pass the historic San Michele Hermitage in Fonzaso. The two main climbs, Cima Campo and Croce d'Aune, are highlights themselves, offering panoramic views and historical significance. At Croce d'Aune, you can find a memorial to Tullio Campagnolo, inventor of the quick-release skewer.

The best time to cycle this route is typically from late spring (May/June) through early autumn (September/October). During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and the mountain passes are clear of snow. Always check local weather forecasts before you go, especially for mountain conditions.

Feltre offers several parking options in and around the town center. Look for public parking areas, often near the historic center or train station, which provide convenient access to the start of the loop. Specific parking availability can vary, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially on weekends.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling this route within the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi. However, please respect all park regulations, stay on marked roads, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.

Given its 'difficult' rating, significant elevation gain (over 2200m), and long distance (approx. 94 km), this route is not suitable for families with young children or beginner cyclists. It is designed for experienced road cyclists with excellent fitness and climbing ability.

The route offers diverse and stunning scenery. You'll cycle through dense forests, especially on the lower slopes of the climbs, and then emerge to expansive mountain vistas. Expect panoramic views of the Feltre Peaks, Valbelluna, and Valsugana from Cima Campo, and picturesque pre-Alpine landscapes within the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.

Yes, the route partially overlaps with several other paths. Notably, it covers significant sections of the Cammino Retico Bike and the Via Claudia Augusta. You'll also find smaller segments that coincide with the Cammino delle Dolomiti - Tappa 03 and the Dolomites World Heritage Geotrail 32.

While the route passes through some villages, especially near the start and end, and at the passes like Croce d'Aune, services can be sparse on the climbs themselves. It's highly recommended to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially for the longer ascent of Cima Campo. There are cafes and restaurants in Feltre and potentially at the passes.

For this difficult route, you should bring a well-maintained road bike, appropriate cycling attire for varying weather conditions, a helmet, sufficient water and nutrition, a repair kit (spare tubes, pump, tools), a first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone with the route downloaded. Given the significant descents, good brakes are essential.

This is a road cycling route, primarily on paved roads. While dogs are generally allowed in the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi on leash, bringing a dog on this specific, challenging road cycling tour is not practical or recommended. The focus is on high-performance cycling, and there are no specific provisions for dogs along the route.

The Cima Campo climb, while long, has sections with double-digit gradients early on. A good strategy is to conserve energy in the initial, steeper kilometers from Arsiè di Feltre. The gradient becomes more sustained but less extreme higher up, allowing you to find a rhythm and enjoy the opening views as you gain altitude.