Padola among woods and lakes

A scenic MTB loop through the forests and valleys of the Comelico area, combining woodland trails, historic aqueduct paths, alpine lakes and ever‑changing views. A varied and rewarding route, ideal for well‑trained riders looking for a mix of nature, technique and exploration.

Route Description

The ride starts at the Padola tennis courts, following a quiet paved road that quickly leaves the village behind. After the first junction, keep left and cross a small bridge to enter the valley. At around 2.9 km, near a large house, turn left onto a mule track leading to another bridge. Cross it, turn right—ignoring the wider dirt road on the left—and immediately turn left again to enter the forest, riding parallel to the stream.

Continue straight at the first fork and turn right at the second, reaching the aqueduct, which becomes the guiding line of the route. The mule track runs alongside it, crosses a paved road and leads to the charming Lago di Campo, a small lake hidden in the woods. After crossing another paved road, descend a few steps, cross a meadow and keep following the aqueduct until you reach the road connecting Padola to Passo Zovo (Passo S. Antonio). You’ve covered about 8 km so far.

Turn right uphill toward the pass, passing the small S. Anna chapel. Shortly after, a mule track on the right points toward Casera Aiarnola and Lago Aiarnola (1380 m). The climb becomes steeper and rougher, leading—after 10.17 km—to a fork where you keep left, following CAI trail 164 toward Passo S. Antonio.

The trail continues through the forest, passes the Pra della Monte junction and, after a clearing, turns right. At km 12.45, go straight at the next fork, keeping right, and continue straight again at the following junction. A series of short ups and downs leads to the road of Passo Zovo; turn right to reach the pass, then follow the signs downhill toward Danta.

At km 14.6, leave the asphalt and take a dirt road climbing toward Forcella Zambei. After 15.37 km, turn left at the junction, pass a barrier and descend along a mule track. At the next fork, follow the central track marked S. Anna, which immediately splits: keep left on the more defined path and continue along the main track.

Around km 17, leave the mule track for a narrower, less rideable trail descending into the forest, well marked with signs and red‑white trail markers. At km 17.8, the trail ends on a rough mule track: turn right, then shortly after left on a gentle traverse leading back to the S. Anna chapel.

A final descent brings you back toward the village: cross a bridge, ride through Padola and return to the tennis courts, completing the loop.

Starting Point

Padola – Tennis courts

Route Features

Type: MTB loop

Terrain: mule tracks, forest trails, dirt roads, short paved sections

Highlights: alpine lake, historic aqueduct, forest scenery, panoramic viewpoints

Difficulty: medium–high (steep and rough sections)