Overview
A long itinerary that allows you to walk part of the Pialpetta-Balme stage of the Sentiero Italia (SI) trail until reaching the two Trione lakes. The route crosses the wild Trione Valley, passing by several Gias and the legendary Pera Cagna.
Starting point
DirectionsImmediately after passing the hamlet of Migliere (a frazione of Groscavallo), you will find on the left side of the provincial road a dirt road that descends toward the Stura.
After crossing the bridge over the Stura di Val Grande, you reach the junction of the Nature Trail, clearly visible thanks to the presence of a large information board. Continue straight for about ten meters until you reach a new junction.
At this point, ignore the dirt road on the left (Nature Trail, direction Cantoira) and continue on the track that curves slightly to the right. Here you will find other directional signs: disregarding the path that climbs into the woods toward Bec Tirsi, continue on the dirt road to the right for about ten meters, until you take the turn on the left marked with GTA/SI signs.
From here the path climbs into the woods, alternating small ascents with flat sections, from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the Rivotti hamlet, the Richiardi frazione, and the Levanne. After approximately 1.30 h you reach a wide plateau where the Pera Cagna is located. Continuing beyond, you reach Alpe Trione (1648 m); here the path crosses the alpine pastures and climbs steeply in zigzags on the mountainside from which the waterfall descends.
After a brief level traverse, the path crosses the stream that feeds the waterfall, curving slightly toward the southwest and climbing up to Gias di Mezzo (1968 m, 2.30h). After crossing the alpine pastures, the steep ascent continues through lush vegetation, ending in a traverse on a false flat that, curving toward the southeast, allows you to reach the plateau of the lakes.
On the right you can see the larger lake (2161 m), while on the left are the Gias dei Laghi. Continuing along the path that leads to Colle del Trione, a few meters past the first lake, you will find the second, smaller lake on the left.
The descent follows the same route as the ascent.
Curiosities
Upon arriving in the Trione Valley, you can see an enormous erratic boulder, the Pera Cagna. Legend has it that the Devil had to transport this boulder to hurl it against an entire village in order to punish its inhabitants, considered too wicked and perverse. However, while the Devil was carrying the boulder in flight, it became increasingly heavy, to the point that he could no longer bear its weight, letting it fall in the place where it still stands today. It is said that the weight of the boulder changed through the prayers of a hermit, or that it even contained gold inside! This interpretation seems to be based precisely on the presence of the rich gold and silver mines in the Trioni area.
