SUP TOUR: 6. Ponale Waterfall
Canoeing & SUP • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
SUP TOUR: 6. Ponale Waterfall
<p>This is an expedition for experts to explore the waterfall on the Ponale stream, one of the most scenic points in Garda Trentino which can only be reached by lake.</p>
<p>The tour is on the part of the lake in front of Riva del Garda. Right from the outset you get a chance to get a new perspective of the lakefront and town centre with its picturesque harbour in the shadow of the Torre Apponale. Leaving Riva at your back, head towards the rocky cliff of Rocchetta which here towers above Lake Garda. The <a href="https://maps.gardatrentino.it/en/tour/mountain-tour/ponale-trail-the-top-trek-in-garda-trentino/1481019/">Ponale trail</a>, one of the best-love and most well-known hiking routes in the area, is clearly visible from the water.</p> <p>Continue along beneath the rocky cliff until you come to the <strong>old Ponale harbour</strong>, once an important trading and communications hub between the Ledro valley and the Garda area. The Ponale Waterfall is hidden away in a little gorge and is one of the wildest and least frequented places in Trentino: the waterfall and its basin is only accessible from the lake, so only a fortunate few get a chance to enjoy its beauty.</p>
SUP TOUR: 6. Ponale Waterfall

Garda Trentino Verified partner
This is an expedition for experts to explore the waterfall on the Ponale stream, one of the most scenic points in Garda Trentino which can only be reached by lake.
The tour is on the part of the lake in front of Riva del Garda. Right from the outset you get a chance to get a new perspective of the lakefront and town centre with its picturesque harbour in the shadow of the Torre Apponale. Leaving Riva at your back, head towards the rocky cliff of Rocchetta which here towers above Lake Garda. The Ponale trail, one of the best-love and most well-known hiking routes in the area, is clearly visible from the water.
Continue along beneath the rocky cliff until you come to the old Ponale harbour, once an important trading and communications hub between the Ledro valley and the Garda area. The Ponale Waterfall is hidden away in a little gorge and is one of the wildest and least frequented places in Trentino: the waterfall and its basin is only accessible from the lake, so only a fortunate few get a chance to enjoy its beauty.
Author’s recommendation
The area of Ponale Waterfall was the ancient access to Ledro until 1851: here there was the harbor and the start of a mule track leading to Lake Ledro
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Safety Tips
- Inform yourself about wind, water, and weather conditions. In a short time, the wind can change, the swell can increase, and it can start to rain, even with thunderstorms. For this reason, it is important be able to swim even in rough water.
- Inform yourself about local regulations. When in doubt, ask for the advice of specialised guides and local people.
- In case of solo trips, inform someone about your planned itinerary and departure time.
- Only use boats and gear appropriate to your abilities and wear a CE certified lifejacket.
- Maintain the safety distance from public transportation crafts, respect right of way rules and do not cross the course of motorboats to avoid accidents and fines.
- When stand up paddling, always attach your leash, never leave your board, and keep a distance of 500 m from the shore and cliffs from which rocks could break off.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips and suggestions
This tour was recommended by SUP Club Riva del Garda.
For further information about sports friendly accommodation, contact details for SUP hire, guides and useful information: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riv del Garda.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).
Coordinates
Equipment
In spring and summer you are advised to wear a semi-drysuit, in summer all you need is a swimsuit and lycra suit. You always need to wear a life jacket.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.