Val Genova – Waterfalls and legends

The Val Genova is a valley between the Adamello Glacier and the Presanella Glacier. Rich in water, it has several waterfalls along the course of the Sarca River that runs through it. The Nardis waterfall is the most majestic in the Val Rendena, accessible by car with a small parking lot near the hut at the foot of the falls. Symbolic of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, it has been sculpted by glaciers in the hard granite rock. Among glaciers, waterfalls, and enchanting forests, Val Genova is one of the park's symbols.

In addition to the narrow asphalt road that runs through the valley, which is carved into tonalite, a volcanic granite rock, you can also take the Waterfalls Trail. This trail follows the Sarca di Genova river, passing by the main waterfalls formed by numerous streams flowing from the Adamello and Presanella glaciers and merging into the Sarca River. The valley's formation has led these watercourses to cascade over rock ledges before joining it. In addition to the aforementioned Nardis waterfall, one of the tallest in Trentino, other waterfalls include Lares (upper and lower), Folgorida, Casöl (Casina Muta), Pedrùc, Stablèi, Pont delle Cambiali, and Mandron.

The entire valley stretches for about 17 kilometers from Carisolo to the Bedole refuge (1650 m), and is territorially divided among 7 municipalities in the Val Rendena, with Strembo being the one with the largest territory.

The upper part of Val Genova hosts several popular alpine huts, including the "Città di Trento" at 2450 meters and the "Caduti dell’Adamello" at over three thousand meters. Additionally, there is a small glacier museum dedicated to Julius Payer, a great explorer of the 19th century. Important remnants of the "White War," or the battles fought on the glaciers during World War I, are also found in the upper valley. In Carisolo, at the valley's entrance, the Geopark visitor center is worth a visit.

Human settlements and activities are sparse in the valley. There are some alpine refuges and tourist accommodations, but they are only open during the summer season. One of the most notable activities is granite extraction, mainly for fireplace production.