Ready to trade the busy shores of
Lake Como for an unforgettable waterfall near Menaggio, Italy? The scenic trail to the breathtaking Cascata di Tobi (Tobi Waterfall) is a moderate 1.5 km (0.93 mile) out-and-back hike, and the charming village of Codogna-Cardano is your perfect starting point. A must-see waterfall adventure near
Lake Como!
This family-friendly hike leads you deep into the heart of the Val Sanagra Regional Park, where lush greenery meets historic stone bridges and the rushing waters of the Val Sanagra River. The short, out-and-back hike leads straight to the scenic and famous Tobi Waterfall where it plunges into its ancient gorge. Lace up your boots for this
Lake Como waterfall adventure!
Codogna-Cardano Village Walk
Visitors to Cascata di Tobi (Tobi Waterfall) will find that the best place to park their vehicle, or take an Uber/Lyft, is to the center of Codogna-Cardano. Public parking can be found at the intersection of Via Roma and Via Carlo Galbiati, which is where this hike begins if starting in the center of Codogna-Cardano.
The walk starts down Via Carlo Galbiati as it passes residences and a wide-open farm field. Listen for the clanging of cow bells in the meadow as you walk through this quaint Italian village with the towering mountains overhead.
Eventually, visitors will reach Via Forno. Take a right-hand turn to follow the very narrow street of Via Forno.
Hike into Orrido della Val Sanagra
Near 0.4 km from the start, hikers will find a trail junction. Take this turn as it leads north before it leads downhill into Orrido della Val Sanagra (Val Sanagra Gorge). The trail to Cascata di Tobi leads into the gorge as it traverses several switchbacks, passing large bushes with palm leaves. Be aware that after rainfall, the trail can be slippery and muddy, making the skinny path down the switchbacks a bit dangerous at times.
Ponte di Tobi (Tobi's Bridge)
Once the switchbacks end, the trail runs atop an ancient aqueduct before it reaches a viewpoint above Cascata di Tobi with a beautiful view of the stone footbridge, Ponte di Tobi (Tobi's Bridge). The stone arch bridge creates a scenic view above the Val Sanagra River with the plummeting waterfall below your feet. Walk the Tobi Bridge as it crosses the water where you'll find a shrine to the Nursing Madonna (Virgo Lactans, or Madonna Lactans).
Cascata di Tobi (Tobi Waterfall)
After passing Tobi's Bridge, the hike leads downhill, crossing a small stream to reach the base of Cascata di Tobi. From the bottom of the hill, hikers will find crystal-clear turquoise hued pools below the 7.5 m (25 feet) tall waterfall. You'll also find an ancient stone aqueduct that runs from the top of Cascata di Tobi as it runs down the Val Sanagra River. At Cascata di Tobi, you can soak up the tranquil gorge of the Val Sanagra River along with the plummeting cascade of the waterfall before you hike back. The lush gorge, with the sound of the waterfall, is filled with ferns, mosses, and palm leaves that make this hike feel like something out of Jurassic Park or even scenes from Lord of the Rings.
Return Hike: Cascata di Tobi to Codogna-Cardano
The last part of this
Lake Como waterfall adventure is the return to Codogna-Cardano and the trailhead. Simply hike back up the hill from the base of Cascata di Tobi to reach the stone footbridge. Hike up the switchbacks, catching your breath along the way, to reach the top of the Val Sanagra Gorge before following the trail to reach Via Forno. Walk the skinny Via Forno to reach Via Carlo Galbiati. Once on Via Carlo Galbiati, walk this road southwest to reach the trailhead and parking lot to wrap up the 1.5 km (0.93 mile) hike to Cascata di Tobi, one of
Lake Como's most-scenic waterfalls!
Parking & Directions: How to Get to Cascata di Tobi (Tobi Waterfall)
Whether you're driving around
Lake Como, taking a taxi or ride share service, the hike to Cascata di Tobi can easily be started in the center of Codogna-Cardano, Italy. Visitors will find public parking along Via Roma and Via Carlo Galbiati where the parking spaces can accommodate approximately 50 vehicles as of September 2025. Here, at the intersection of Via Roma and Via Carlo Galbiati is where the easiest walk to Tobi Waterfall begins. Park or ask your taxi driver to drop you off here.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Steep gorge: This hike leads visitors through a steep gorge, following a skinny trail and switchbacks that leads down to Cascata di Tobi. While the trail is not difficult, and has a moderate difficulty rating at most, the trail may become very slippery when wet or after a heavy rainfall. Additionally, the leaves that litter the trail make it even more slick. Watch your step and keep back from the steep slopes.
