The road was originally commissioned by Giacomo Cis and completed in 1891 to bypass the difficult mule tracks previously used for trade.
The trail features tunnels hewn directly into the rock that were originally designed for horse-drawn carriages.
During World War I, the path served as a critical logistics route for the Austro-Hungarian army, evidenced by remaining defensive bunkers.
The trail represents a classic example of 19th-century civil engineering in the Alps, requiring extensive stabilization works after modern bypass tunnels were constructed.
It is frequently cited as one of the most iconic mountain biking routes in Europe due to its unique combination of vertical drops and panoramic lake views.
The Sentiero del Ponale is a historic cliffside path connecting Riva del Garda to the Ledro Valley. Carved directly into the limestone mountain face, the trail overlooks the northern basin of Lake Garda. It originally served as a strategic mountain road built in the mid-19th century to connect the town of Riva to Lake Ledro. The route is now a dedicated trail for hikers and mountain bikers, closed to motorized traffic since the opening of the newer tunnels. It features a series of switchbacks and former military fortifications dating back to the Austro-Hungarian period. The path spans approximately 10 kilometers in total if completed to Lake Ledro. It serves as one of the most significant transition points between the alpine environment and the Mediterranean climate of the Garda basin.
The mid-point observation point where the path provides an unobstructed view of the northern lake coastline and the town of Riva.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you intend to explore the unlit tunnel sections.
Start early in the morning to avoid the strongest sun, as much of the path is exposed with little natural shade.
The path is shared by both hikers and mountain bikers; always stay to the right and remain alert for fast-moving cycles.
Attempting the full ascent to Lake Ledro in the heat of midday without sufficient water supply.
Cyclists should yield to pedestrians, and all users should carry out their own trash as there are limited bins along the cliffside.
