14. Marocche Nature Reserve, the "Moon Valley" along river Sarca
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/ Nature Reserve "Marocche"Photo: APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino -
/ A lunar valleyPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Daniele Lira, Garda Trentino
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/ View with the castle of Drena and the Marocche in the backgroundPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Daniele Lira, Garda Trentino
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/ The "Marocche" from abovePhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Foto Promovideo, Garda Trentino
An easy excursion in a truly unique environment in another dimension of time and space
This nature reserve, meaning an area which is protected because of its unique natural and geological features, is the largest post-glacial landslide in the entire Alps: an imposing mass of rocky debris which gives the area a lunar appearance and a habitat for plants and animals which have adapted to this particularly arid environment.
During your visit be sure to examine the dinosaur tracks on a great boulder along the trail: they date back to over 100 million years ago! And if you are into botany, watch out for the natural bonsais you will find among the rocks: they are true “dwarf trees” which due to the harsh environmental conditions have short branches and underdeveloped trunks. These trees do not usually manage to grow more than a metre high, even though they are often over a hundred years old.
The Marocche di Dro are a Site of Community Importance, belonging to the Natura 2000 Network.
Author’s recommendation
Some curiosity: the name "Marocche" comes from local dialect: "maroc" means boulder, a big lump of rock.
Safety information
The trail presents no difficulties and does not require any particular equipment. We advise you to bring your own water, drinks and snack since there are no places where you can stop off and buy something to eat along the way.
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.
Equipment
You need to be wearing the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
What you should have in your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do):
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
emergency telephone number Mountain Rescue 112
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally...
... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Tips, hints and links
- One of the most spectacular views over the entire “Marocche” can be had from Drena castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Sarca Valley. Info and opening times on www.gardatrentino.it
- Did you know? Local legend tells that this area was once the site of the city of Kas, whose inhabitants were famed for their immortality. But the Lord, tired of their dissolute ways, caused the surrounding mountains to crumble and bury the city beneath a giant landslide now called Marocche.
- For more information on routes and hike services: guides, shops and hiking friendly accommodation: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The “Marocche” nature reserve, a huge accumulation of rocky material created in the post-glacial period, is in the area to the north of Dro. The points of entry to the area are signposted to the left beyond Maso Trenti on the road leading from Dro to Drena. Signs bear the logo of the area. The landscape undergoes extreme and surprising changes: the visitor crosses a lunar and sometimes even desert landscape, walking from the great pile of rocks to the area where dinosaur tracks were recently discovered; from here the trail leads on through a wooded area to the Sarca river and the old hydroelectric station of Fies. From here we continue along the edge of the marshy Laghi Soli area to enter the rocky, arid reserve again and return to our point of departure
Note
Public transport
Public transport friendly
Drena is connected with the other towns in Garda Trentino by the number 304 intercity bus line. You can get off on request in the Marocche area on the way out and for the return trip there are two bus stops in via Roma. Details and timetables: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
The "Marocche" is on the SS 45 bis "Gardasana occidentale"(Western Gardasana). From Riva del Garda, follow directions for Arco and then towards Dro (about 15 km).
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
In the Marocche area there are two free car parks, one before the tamburello court and one immediately after.
Author’s map recommendations
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Garda Trentino trekking map – On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Questions & answers
Reviews
Photos of others
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Tim Heinrich
Giulia Sighinolfi
Alessandro Ferraro