Valle di Daone
The Valle di Daone in Trentino is an Alpine valley through which the River Chiese flows; its head forms the entrance to the Val di Fumo.
The Daone Valley is the southern gateway to the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, the largest protected area in Trentino. The valley floor is particularly rich in vegetation, which every now and then recedes to form clearings featuring barns in the local architectural style. The valley is almost devoid of human settlement but accommodation is provided by refuges and small mountain hotels situated along the road from Lardaro which passes through Daone before entering the valley and ascending to the Malga Bissina lake 1789 metres above sea level, where it becomes a path.
An important feature of the valley is its lakes. As well as the two large reservoirs, Malga Bissina mentioned above and Malga Boazzo (1224 metres a.s.l.), which are used to produce hydroelectric power, there are also numerous little natural lakes along the short steep side valleys, such as Lago Nero (or Lago Scuro), at 2150 metres at the foot of Monte Bruffione (2664 m), Lago di Campo (1944 m), Lago di Copidello (1968 m) and Lake Casinei (2060 m).
The Valle di Daone terminates with the typically U-section Valle di Fumo, which is situated in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park and is certainly one of the most expressive high mountain locations in the whole of Trentino. An easy walk leads to the Val di Fumo refuge. Take the unsurfaced road skirting the western bank of the Malga Bissina reservoir from Malga Bissina (1800 m), which leads into some of the most spectacular landscapes where you will be entranced by nature's striking beauty.
In terms of mountaineering sports, Val di Daone is best known for its waterfalls. During the winter season the valley becomes a venue for the highly popular mountain sport known as ice climbing.
