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Church of San RoccoPhoto: Romea Strata | IT | Fondazione Homo Viator, Associazione Europea Romea Strata
The SR2 "Sojo Negro" trail in Schio is a 5 km loop, with 240 m elevation gain, through forests and historic districts, with scenic views and a volcanic outcrop, ideal for a walk in local nature and culture with friends and family.
The SR2 "Sojo Negro" trail in Schio is a loop hike of about 5 km that runs through the hills surrounding the town, offering an immersive experience in nature and local history. The starting point is the Church of San Rocco, from which you take a well-marked path that enters a mixed wood of hornbeam, downy oak and chestnut. This lush vegetation creates a cool, shady atmosphere, ideal for spring and summer walks.
On the way, one encounters the "Sojo Negro," a peculiar rocky outcrop of volcanic origin that represents a unique geological evidence in the area, an element that gives the trail its name. The presence of this formation makes the trail not only a pleasant hike, but also a small journey to discover the natural features of the Schio area.
Continuing on, the trail passes through ancient rural districts such as Ca' Vecchia and Snorche, where evidence of traditional agricultural arrangements can be seen, such as dry stone walls and old stone dwellings. These glimpses tell the agricultural history of the area, giving the trail cultural as well as naturalistic value.
The route has a moderate elevation gain of about 240 meters, with both slightly uphill and downhill sections, suitable for basic and intermediate level hikers. The route ends at Ca' Dall'Alba, where there is a wide view of the surrounding hills and the plain below. From here, follow the municipal road that leads with a comfortable walk back to the Church of San Rocco, closing the loop.
The SR2 "Sojo Negro" route is ideal for those looking for a quiet hike that combines nature, history and geology, with the possibility of stopping at different points to photograph the landscapes or simply enjoy the quiet of the Vicenza hills. Good hiking shoes and water recommended, especially in the warmer months.
Author’s recommendation
Here are some suggestions you can make along the way:
- Bring a pocket magnifying glass to take a closer look at the geological features of the "Sojo Negro."
- Use an app to recognize native plants and learn more about the local flora during the walk.
- Try walking barefoot on some grassy sections for a direct connection with nature (make sure they are safe).
- Bring a water bottle with a filter to drink water from streams, if any, thus ensuring sustainable hydration.
- Walk slowly and practice mindful walking to appreciate every detail of the landscape.
- Bring a small, light blanket to take a break while lying on a meadow and observing the sky.
- Share the walk with friends or family via a social live or vlog to engage them virtually.
- Try walking at different times of day to observe how the light and atmosphere of the forest changes.
- Bring along an illustrated guide of local birds or other animals to try to spot them on the walk.
- Bring a small thermal water bottle to enjoy a hot drink during breaks, especially on cool days.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Here are some safety tips for this route:
- Wear technical anti-bumps socks to protect your feet on uneven terrain.
- Avoid walking alone, especially on days with low light or variable weather conditions.
- Let someone know your estimated departure and return time.
- Carry a small emergency kit with band-aids, disinfectant and a thermal blanket.
- Avoid picking or touching unfamiliar plants or mushrooms to prevent allergies or poisoning.
- Always keep an eye on the weather, especially in spring and fall, and adjust plans if bad weather is expected.
- Wear layered clothing to easily adapt to changes in temperature.
- Carry a small flashlight or headlamp with you, even on day hikes, for any unforeseen events.
- Keep to the marked trail and do not venture into unauthorized areas to avoid accidents.
- If you encounter wild animals, keep calm, avoid sudden movements and move away slowly.
Tips and suggestions
Here are some tips and recommendations you may not have thought of for the route:
- Do a short dynamic stretching session before you set out to prepare your muscles without tiring them.
- Carry seeds or small natural snacks (such as nuts or berries) for an energetic and healthy snack along the way.
- Use a lightweight mask made of technical fabric if you are walking near areas with lots of dust or allergens.
- Choose an early morning time to enjoy the soft light and cooler temperatures.
- Bring a paper map of the route with you in addition to the digital app, just in case.
- Take a break mid-hike to enjoy your surroundings and rest.
- Take note of unusual plants or natural elements to investigate later with dedicated research or apps.
- Plan the route in several stages, enjoying each stretch without rushing.
- Try walking at different paces to train endurance and recovery during the hike.
- Carry a small mirror or binoculars to better observe distant or hidden details.
- Use goggles with blue-light filters if you often use digital devices during your break.
Roadbook
The SR2 "Sojo Negro" trail in Schio is a loop of about 5 km with an elevation gain of 240 meters, suitable for everyone and can be covered in about 2.5 hours.
It starts from the parking lot near the Church of San Rocco and proceeds for about 800 meters along the municipal road until the detour to "Busi." From here you walk about 600 meters on a steep uphill dirt road until you take a path to the left. The next section goes through a hornbeam, downy oak and chestnut forest for about 700 meters, arriving at "Sojo Negro," an outcrop of volcanic rock that gives the trail its name.
Continue for about 700 meters to the locality Gonzati, then travel 400 meters on a short stretch of municipal road and turn off into the contrada. Crossing contrà Ca Vecchia and contrà Snorche you walk for about 800 meters to the "Lovati capital," located near a characteristic crossroads.
From the capital, proceed for about 500 meters to the Féro locality, famous for a spectacularly functioning wood rope, then cross an area of agrarian arrangement. Finally, walk another 500 meters from Féro to Ca' Dall'Alba and rejoin the municipal road back to the starting point, thus completing the loop.
Chiesa San Rocco di Tretto
Fontanella nei pressi della chiesa di san Rocco
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Starting from the Schio Railway Station, take the main road in a northeast direction, following Via Pasubio. Go straight for about 800 meters, crossing the city center, until you reach the junction with via Timonchio. Here take the uphill road to Timonchio Street, which winds between houses and a few green areas. This part is quite challenging because it climbs gradually, so keep a steady pace without overdoing it.
Keep running for about 2 km along Timonchio Street, which becomes a narrower and more scenic road, surrounded by greenery and with glimpses of the surrounding hills. You will pass some scattered houses and small groves. The road is paved but with some uneven sections, so be careful of the terrain.
After this climb, you will reach Bivio Timonchio, where there is a bus stop from which you would normally get off. From here continue for about 300 meters to the Church of San Rocco, the official starting point of the SR2 "Sojo Negro" trail. This area is quieter and more open, ideal for starting your ride surrounded by nature.
In total, the run from the station to San Rocco is about 3.5 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of about 150 meters, ideal for a challenging warm-up before starting the actual trail.
Directions
To drive to the starting point of the SR2 "Sojo Negro" route, located at the Church of San Rocco in Schio (VI), you can conveniently start from the city center or the Schio train station. From here, follow Via Baccarini in a southeasterly direction for about 400 meters to the traffic circle. Take the first exit onto Via Marconi and continue for another 300 meters.
At this point turn right onto Via Pasubio (SP46) and drive 1.2 km slightly uphill to a new traffic circle. Take the second exit, turning onto Via Martiri della Libertà, and follow it for about 600 meters. From here turn left onto Timonchio Street, a narrower road that enters the hilly part of the area.
Continue on Timonchio Street for about 2.4 km, passing through scattered hamlets, rural areas and small woods. When you reach the junction for San Rocco, you will find signs for the church. Take the municipal road to the left and walk the last 400 meters uphill until you reach the Church of San Rocco, the official starting point of the SR2 route.
Overall, from the Schio station to the church you cover a total distance of about 5.3 km by car, with a moderate elevation gain. The road is fully paved but narrow in some sections, so caution in driving is advised. Once you arrive, you can park in the vicinity of the church, where the trail also begins.
Parking
Some alternatives where you can park:
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San Rocco parking lot: located right in front or next to the church, in a small paved and unpaved area.
Space is limited, with about 8-10 parking spaces, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, especially on weekends or holidays.
There are no blue lines or paid parking spaces; everything is free, but not guarded.
- You can leave your car along Timonchio Street, in one of the small side spaces (where allowed).
- Or park in the Bivio Timonchio area (about 400 meters before the church) and walk up.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Some useful guides for tackling the route:
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Official guide to the SR2 "Sojo Negro" route:
Visit Schio's official website offers a detailed description of the route, including points of interest, difficulty and estimated duration.
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Hiking guide "Mount Novegno. Routes and hiking map."
This guidebook, published by the City of Schio, presents 15 hiking routes in the Mount Novegno area, with details on difficulty, walking time and points of interest. It is available in hard copy from local bookstores or online.
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Gruppo Escursionisti Scledensi (GES):
GES is a local group that organizes mountain-related hikes and activities. Although not affiliated with CAI, it collaborates with the Schio section for joint activities. You can find information about their hikes and activities on their official website.
Author’s map recommendations
Some maps you could use for the route:
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Hiking Map of the Province of Vicenza (Berici and Lessini Hills Map):
Covers the area of Schio and environs with details of trails, dirt roads, and natural points of interest.
Recommended scale: 1:25,000 or 1:50,000
Available in specialized bookstores or online.
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IGM (Istituto Geografico Militare) Topographic Maps:
Very detailed official Italian maps with contour lines and trails.
You can view them free online at sites such as IGM Geoportale or dedicated apps.
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OpenStreetMap (OSM) maps with trekking layer:
Great for hikers because they are frequently updated by the community.
Accessible through apps such as OsmAnd, Locus Map or through websites.
Often include marked routes and shared GPX tracks.
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GPX track of the SR2 "Sojo Negro" trail:
If available, download the GPX track from the official Visit Schio website (visits.it) to use with your GPS or smartphone.
It allows you to follow the route accurately without getting lost.
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Here is some useful equipment to help you cope best with the trail:
- Use trekking poles to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls on slippery trails.
- Ultralight backpack with integrated concealed hydration system.
- Waterproof jacket with breathable, pocket-folding membrane.
- Hiking shoes with Vibram sole for added grip on mixed terrain.
- Sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare while walking.
- Hat with UV protection and sweatband.
- Lightweight non-slip gloves to improve grip on rocks or plants.
- Multifunctional headband made of technical fabric to use as a scarf, headband or headgear.
- Compact solar power bank for charging smartphones or GPS.
- Socks with graduated compression to promote venous return and reduce fatigue.
- Water-resistant Bluetooth mini speaker for listening to music or podcasts without disturbing nature.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions