Valle di Cembra and the Earth Pyramids of Segonzano

On foot:
Take the path at the right of the Regnana stream, up along the borders of a forest of broad-leaved trees. After a 20 minute walk you will see the first pyramids on your left.
From here the path winds through the forest, and after about 30 minutes you will see the main group of pyramids. If you want to go on, follow the trail upstream, going around the group anticlockwise. The last section of the trail is quite charming, cutting through two groups of pyramids.

How to get there:

• from Baselga di Pinè: take the SP83, direction Trento, and after about 3-4 km turn right at the junction of Segonzano
• from Brusago di Pinè take the road to Valcava at the left of the church and go on until you reach the junction with the SP71. From here follow directions to Segonzano
• from Trento go east and enter the Fersina valley towards Civezzano-Cavalese. At the junction of Pergine turn in the direction of Civezzano and follow directions to Segonzano

Did you know…
The earth pyramids of Segonzano are a true work of art: these tall and slim spires of rock topped by a stone that protects the column from the elements are commonly known as hoodoos or fairy chimneys and here in Segonzano the highest ones reach a height of 20 meters. During the Quaternary Period the valley of the Regnana stream was filled by a glacial sedimentation of alternating layers of soft and hard material. These pyramids result from the combined erosion of wind, rain and running water, that acts more rapidly on the soft material. They are often capped by a resistant layer which protects the lower and softer ones.

The legend of the pyramids: at certain times of the day, when illuminated by a soft light, the group of pyramids resembles a fairy castle. According to the legend, elves living in the forests of the valley were turned into rock columns as punishment for their carelessness, thus creating these groups of earth pyramids.