The Pal Piccolo rises, with its 1866 meters, near the Monte Croce Carnico Pass on the Austrian border. A characteristic feature of this mountain is its link to the history of the region, having been the scene of numerous clashes during the Great War, between 1915 and 1917.
To reach it, take the SS52bis towards the Monte Croce Carnico Pass, passing through all the villages in the direction of Austria, the last being Timau, and then continue climbing until you reach the large parking area. The hike begins by taking CAI trail 401, located on the Italian side.
This trail has an accessible gradient and does not present particular diƯiculties; only one section should be noted, slightly exposed and equipped with a steel cable. Continuing, you reach the junction between trail 401, called the “Via degli Alpini,” and CAI trail 401b. Following the “Via degli Alpini,” you arrive at a second junction, where, by following the signs to Pal Piccolo, you will find the monument in memory of Major Macchi.
Staying on the trail, you reach a cableway hut on the Austrian side. Here there is another junction: on one side you remain on the Italian slope, following a section equipped with iron steps; on the other, you can take the less demanding path on the Austrian side.
Proceeding to the right on the equipped section, you reach the summit in about 2 hours from the pass. From the peak there is a 360-degree view over the surrounding mountains; along the ridge you can observe the historic Austro-Hungarian positions, until reaching the Italian Trincerone.
On the descent, follow the trail on the Austrian side until you reach the cableway; at this point take the path to the right, and at the next junction keep right again, avoiding CAI trail 401b and the via ferrata, descending with a steady gradient back to the pass in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Photo/video galleryDISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is based on the personal experience of the page editors, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt: it may not be up to date or accurate. The editors strongly recommend always checking the condition of the trails with the relevant authorities before setting out on a hike.