Foroglio Waterfall

The Foroglio fall comes off the hanging valley of Val Calnegia and drops about a hundred and eight metres in a single plunge, landing directly behind the hamlet of Foroglio - and it is the juxtaposition that makes the image: a compact cluster of dry-stone houses with stone-slab roofs, a small church, and a waterfall filling the wall immediately above them. A short path leads to the base through spray. Above, a steeper route climbs into Val Calnegia past terraces and more stone hamlets. The grotto restaurant in Foroglio serves Ticinese food and is the only commercial building. Flow depends on rain and melt, and after a dry fortnight the fall thins considerably.

What you'll find

• A 108-metre plunge behind a hamlet - the fall filling the wall above the houses.
• Stone-slab roofs - the dry-stone building of Val Bavona.
• A short path to the base - into the spray at the foot.
• Val Calnegia above - the hanging valley the water comes from.

When to go

May to October; after rain for the fullest flow. Two hours.

Good to know

Flow drops sharply in dry spells. Parking in the hamlet is very limited and the road is narrow. The path to the base is wet and slippery. Foroglio is small - one restaurant and no shops.

Nearby

Val Bavona continues to San Carlo; Val Maggia runs down to Locarno.