40 - Forts Route

From Folgaria, Via Salvo d'Acquisto (near the Palasport), after carefully crossing the SS350, we descend the steep Sanscrivel path (signposted) that quickly leads us down to the valley. We cross the Rosspach stream on a lovely wooden bridge and ascend the opposite slope, covered by a dense fir forest, until reaching the locality of Mezzaselva. After carefully crossing the SP to Serrada, we resume climbing, still surrounded by the forest canopy. We soon arrive at the former military road to Forte Dosso delle Somme. We turn left onto it and follow it with a medium ascent until the locality of Roccolo. Here we cross the municipal road to Fondo Grande and, after traveling about fifty meters (turning left), we take the dirt road on the right that climbs toward the Fort. We follow it (6 km) progressively gaining altitude, with wide panoramas gradually opening over the valley of Terragnolo and the opposite Pasubio mountain massif. Finally, we reach the ruins of Forte Dosso delle Somme. After bypassing the fort, we continue along the lovely trail running along the mountain ridge (beware of slipping on the steep slope below) which, with two passes, brings us to the crossroads of the Camini, on the SP dei Francolini, near Passo Coe. After crossing the road, we take the dirt road in front that climbs the opposite valley slope and, exposed to the open sky, leads us up to Forte Sommo alto (beautiful panoramic views of Folgaria). After visiting the Fort, we descend to the underlying Rifugio Stella d'Italia. We then proceed along the comfortable dirt road heading toward Passo del Sommo. After following it for a stretch, be careful of the path that branches left (signposted) and descends the steep slope, surrounded by forest, which soon brings us to the open area of the Ecken biotope and Maso Spilzi Golf Course. Upon reaching the biotope, we turn left, follow the path along its south side, which finally brings us to the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie. Here we turn left, following the paved municipal road that quickly leads us back to Folgaria.