Ferrata delle Cascate di Novalesa

Overview

The Ferrata delle Cascate di Novalesa unfolds through the Val Cenischia, a side valley of the Susa Valley in Piedmont. The route follows a succession of waterfalls carved by the Rio Claretto and the Rio Merdarello, climbing the rock walls that separate the different cascades. Opened in 2024, the route never presents pure extreme technical passages, but its length and constant exposure along the rock bands demand good fitness and familiarity with the via ferrata environment. The trail is richly equipped with stirrups, ladders, and other metal aids that make progression easier.

Approach

The access point is near the bridge over the Rio Merdarello, close to Novalesa and easily reachable from Susa. Following the signs for the waterfalls leads to a large clearing used as a parking area. The approach to the base of the route is quick and intuitive: from the parking area, in about 10-15 minutes, you follow a dirt road that leads to the base of the striking Cascata del Claretto, where the start of the ferrata is clearly visible. Information boards are placed at the beginning of the trail.

Via Ferrata

The itinerary is divided into distinct sections, each with its own name.

Pilastro di Claretto This first section climbs the left side of the Cascata del Claretto. You tackle a series of ramps and rocky steps, with vertical walls and slight overhangs, all generously equipped with stirrups. The progression is never physically exhausting, but the exposure is palpable, heightened by the proximity of the waterfall. Vertical sections rich in metal fixtures alternate with short exposed traverses, always staying on the left side of the gorge. The goal of this section is to ascend the soaring Pilastro di Claretto.

Cengia e bosco di collegamento Once past the pillar, a connecting section called "Il bosco" begins. You traverse ledges and short equipped trails, with some descending passages that require caution due to downclimbing and sections of slippery, earthy ground. This connecting route, which also includes some traverses, gradually leads to the right orographic side of the Cascata del Rio Merdarello, where the second part of the ferrata begins.

Rampa di Merdarello This section opens with a beautiful and demanding vertical wall that climbs a pillar, then continues with an ascending traverse. The second part is characterized by a striking dihedral of yellowish rock that emerges onto a wide panoramic ledge to the left.

Gola di Claretto The final sector enters the narrow gorge carved by the Rio Merdarello. It is a very fascinating passage, with a difficulty level similar to the previous parts but with less exposure. You climb alongside the waterfall, first reaching the "Ponte Basso" and then the "Ponte Alto," two crossings that allow you to move from one bank of the stream to the other. After descending back onto the rock, you climb the banks until you reach the end of the via ferrata at a wooden bridge. The travel time from the start is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Descent

From the wooden bridge, take an obvious trail that follows the stream, quickly reaching a dirt road. Here, turn left onto a well-marked mule track for Novalesa, which leads to the center of the village in about 40 minutes. From there, passing near the church and heading back up toward the initial parking area, you complete the loop. The total time for the descent is about 1 hour from the end of the ferrata, for a total hike of about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Useful Notes

The ferrata is classified as Moderately Difficult, but the length and exposure make it not recommended as a first experience. The presence of numerous stirrups and metal footholds greatly facilitates progression. The equipment is abundant and in excellent condition. It is essential to stick to the marked route, as in some sections you cross private property. It is also forbidden to descend the itinerary. As in other Piedmontese ferratas, the various sections are identified by signs with their names.