UPDATED MAR 2020. Have you heard of the Dolomites? This nature-filled area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is my favorite part about living in Italy. I love that you can explore just about anything from lakes, mountains, waterfalls, hikes, or snow adventures in winter. Here’s a look at what’s on offer with this guide to hikes in the Dolomites. I’ve added local and touristy, hikes, lakes, waterfalls, and scenic areas. So there’s something for everyone.
Hikes In The Dolomites – 17 Day Trips You Don’t Want To Miss
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1. Lago di Braies
Also known as Pragser Wildsee, this is one of the most popular lake hikes in the Dolomites.
When you are there you can expect to see a crowd waiting in line to snap a photo at the insta-famous steps leading to the lake.
Lago di Braies has a kid-friendly, dog-friendly, easy trail that goes around the entire lake. It also has picnic spots along the way and you can rent boats to paddle around on the water.
Parking is available for a small fee. You’ll see it in Google Maps as ‘parcheggio’ and you can just put ‘Lago di Braies’ into Google maps to take you there.
Lago di Braies – one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites
2. Lago di Senaiga
I wrote a full post for Lago di Senaiga so check out that post to learn more about the trail and where to park (the free parking is separate to the trailhead).
This one is one of the quieter, less crowded hikes in the Dolomites.
It’s a longer trail that with some uphill sections so it’s more of a hike than a stroll if that makes sense. It takes you through tunnels, forests and open plains at the top of the hill offering you a lot of nice views to soak in.
There is also a waterfall and bar near the parking area to get a snack afterward.
3. Lago di Carezza
Lago di Carezza is another one of the more popular, touristy lakes and for good reason. It is stunning.
I wrote a full post on this one which you can read here to get more details on the hike, parking and learn the story behind the colorful water.
There is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly easy path to follow around the lake and snap a few photos of this beautiful setting. The rugged mountains in the distance create a perfect backdrop to the trees and lake below.
The lake is fenced off so this is not a swimming area, instead, you will be able to admire the colors of the water from the fence.
Lago di Carezza
4. Lago di Corlo
This lake is a scenic spot for picnics, families, dogs.
When I was there I saw a sign for ‘path by the lake’ so I decided to follow the path. Little did I know the word ‘path’ was a little misleading.
I ended up doing the 6-hour hike in flip flops, up and down the terrain with just one little bottle of water!
Here’s my full post on Lago di Corlo. The hike is certainly worth doing, but it is a longer trail and it’s important to be prepared for it.
The parking is free and there are barbecue areas and water activities as well.
5. Val Gardena
Val Gardena is a stunning area with landscape views that are just captivating.
There are many hiking trails around the area and activities to choose from or you can do what I did and just put ‘Val Gardena’ into Google Maps and stop when you see a beautiful spot and just walk around and explore.
These were some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen and looked straight out of a Nat Geo magazine or something.
Val Gardena
6. Lago di Sorapis
This is another one of the more popular hikes in the Dolomites so expect a crowd.
The bright blue water of this lake in the mountains will take your breath away. Because of its popularity, it’s best to go early if you can. This trail is a long one and is more on the intermediate side.
I wrote a full hiking guide for Lago di Sorapis for more information.
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7. Lago di Tovel
This is one of my favorite spots and I have been back here a couple of times – I am only now realizing that I haven’t written a full post on it I’ve only Instagrammed it so I must get to that.
There’s just something beautiful and peaceful about this lake. It has an easy kid-friendly and dog-friendly path around the outside and a nice ‘beachy’ area for a picnic.
Similar to Lago di Carezza, the setting has rugged mountains that serve as the background to this emerald lake making for a gorgeous setting.
Parking is available for a small fee.
8. Falzarego Pass
Falzarego Pass is an awesome hiking area in Cortina d’Ampezzo with a lot of trails out in the mountains.
It is really open and bright so if you are out there in summer, make sure you wear a hat, sunscreen, and protect your doggies.
There are a lot of paths to choose from so it is a good spot for dogs and kids. I did one trail which had a cliffy area and a rope which was a little trickier. However, there were a lot of other spots that were flat and suited to everyone.
I followed a few paths, took some homemade trail mix for a picnic, and had a nice day out in nature with the dogs.
To get there just put ‘Falzarego Pass’ into Google Maps and look out for the parking area. From there, it’s easy to just go exploring.
9. Cascata del Pisulat
The trail has markings to follow so it’s easy to keep track of. There are even signs when it comes to a fork with different options – keep going straight to lead to the waterfall in the photo.
I’d rate this one as intermediate. It’s not overly hard in terms of skill, but it’s long and would be a bit challenging if you were baby carrying, so keep that in mind.
The difficulty on this one is a couple of slippery sections when you walk through water and a couple of areas where you are hiking over a rocks.
You will also come to a point where you can swim through a gorge to get to the waterfall or you can follow the trail to the side that will take you up and over the gorge. Both lead you to the waterfall.
To get there, the trail starts at “46°15’44.8″N 12°50’05.6″E”, but you need to park further back and walk to the trailhead.
For parking, get as close as you can – I parked by the cemetery in a parking area near that. It’s only a small town so just keep an eye out for a spot as you drive through.
Campone
10. Pozze Smeraldine
Pozze Smeraldine, or the Emerald Ponds, are scenic ponds in a long stretch of bright green water. It’s a nice place for a swim in the freshwater and there are also a lot of picnic areas.
To get there, put ‘Pozze Smeraldine’ into Google Maps. It will take you there and you will come across the parking area before you get to the endpoint.
It’s a great spot for families and dogs. Be warned though, when I was there I saw a number of nude sunbathers. I’m talking the sausages weren’t only on the barbecues. If that bothers you, just follow the water along until you find a more private spot to hang out.
11. Lago di Barcis
Lago di Barcis is another beautiful blue lake, though as with all of these spots, the brightness can change depending on the weather when you visit. It was a little more green than blue the day I went, but I’ve seen photos in summer that are a beautiful bright blue.
You can explore as much as you want really and there were plenty of well-marked trails suited for kids, dogs, and beginners to see some of the views.
Whether you hike, kayak, follow the lake down and take a floaty tube to relax on the water or just hang out by the lake, there is certainly enough to keep you busy. There’s even a bar near the main parking area for snacks.
To get there just put ‘Lago di Barcis’ into Google Maps and look out for the free parking when you get close.
Lago di Barcis
12. The Fanes Waterfalls
There is an upper and lower hike at the Fanes waterfalls in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
You can even walk behind the waterfall in the upper trail.
What’s good about this is that there are a few options for different skill levels – if you just want to take a walk with the family then you can stick to the lower trail. If you want to use ropes and do a serious mountain climb with equipment then you can do the upper trail.
This is a good site to describe the trail if you’d like more information.
13. Torrente Canali
A popular spot with locals, Torrente Canali is a gorgeous spot in the mountains with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a mesmerizing blue pond.
Seriously, the water is such a beautiful shade of blue!
Here’s my full guide to Torrente Canali for more information.
There are more hiking trails if you want to explore, but if you just want to take the kids and/or dogs out for a day in nature, then there’s no hiking to get to the pond. It’s a great, family-friendly spot for everyone.
Torrente Canali
14. Cascate di Crosis
This is more of a local spot for families to splash around in the water and enjoy the sunshine.
The waterfall comes from a dam above and they release water from there now and then which makes the falls gush.
If you hear the alarm (you can’t miss it), this means the water is about to be released. Make sure to move away from the bottom of the falls.
To get there just put ‘Cascate di Crosis’ into Google Maps and look out for the sign to the waterfall. You can park by the sign for free, then follow the path towards the waterfall.
15. Contra Pria
For swimming, sunbaking and a little cliff jumping, Contra Pria is a popular spot.
Like all of the water areas on the list, the mountain water is pretty cold but it’s so fresh and nice for quick dips.
The water stretches on for a while so you can also follow it along to find quieter spots.
The adrenaline junkies can jump off the popular bridge into the cold water below, the others can chill by the water and it’s kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so a nice place in the outdoors for the whole family.
There is a restaurant there for snacks and parking is free but limited so try to go in the morning.
Contra Pria
16. Waterfall day trip in the Dolomites – 4 falls in one day
These are great for a day trip because you don’t need a whole day for each. They’re all good for families and dogs.
Cascata Gorg D’abiss
A really short walk on a path to a magical looking waterfall in a cave. Park wherever you can nearby then walk to the path – I got lucky and got street parking at the trailhead but I noticed others had parked further back & walked.
Cascata Ampola
A short trail down to a pretty waterfall with a small pond. Free parking on the side of the road near a sign that says ‘Commune Delle Giudicarie’.
The next two are in a nature park and you pay when you enter to be able to drive in & park there. The price depends on what time you go but I think all day was 5 euro – I was there later in the day & it was cheaper.
Cascata di Nardis
Huge waterfall to see with lots of areas to walk around close to the falls & trails in the area.
Cascata di Lares
Lots of cute cows here that you walk past to get to the falls (also lots of cow poop to look out for!)
There are two phases of this one – you can walk the trail up to the first lookout which is cool & has a nice view & you can also go right up to the top. Going up to the top has a bit of a steep hike that can be slippery if it’s raining.
Here are the names for Google Maps – Gorg D’abiss, Cascata Ampola, Cascata di Nardis and Cascata di Lares.
Cascata di Lares
17. Passo Giau
Passo Giau is an epic hiking spot with a number of trails to choose from. The scenery is stunning and it’s not very crowded. If you want a quieter escape into the mountains, this is a great choice.
I took trail 436 to Lago delle Baste which was a small lake with impressive reflections of the mountains.
The trail takes about 2 hours total. It is a beginner hike as far as skill as there were no ropes or climbing involved. But it is intermediate in terms of fitness because the incline at altitude is a lung kicker.
If you are not as fit you can just take it slow in the inclined sections.
To get here just put Passo Giau into Google Maps. When you arrive you will see parking along the side of the road.
Passo Giau
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Visit the friulan Dolomites and the carnic and julian Alps.