The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Lake Cà Selva

There are currently 4 dog-friendly hiking routes detailed in this guide for the Lake Cà Selva area. These trails offer a variety of challenging experiences for you and your canine companion.

The trails listed in this guide around Lake Cà Selva are generally considered difficult, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. While the region offers diverse landscapes, many paths involve significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring the accessible crest of the 111-meter high arch dam, which created Lake Cà Selva, or shorter, less strenuous sections of trails like the Sentiero degli Alpini – Spring Shrine loop from Meduno / Midun, which is the shortest at 5.8 km, though still rated difficult.

Hiking with your dog around Lake Cà Selva means exploring the stunning Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll encounter sharp Dolomite peaks, expansive valleys, deep woods, rugged slopes, scree fields, and alpine meadows. The terrain is varied, with sections of paved, gravel, and unpaved paths, ensuring diverse and picturesque views throughout your journey.

Yes, all the dog-friendly routes featured in this guide are circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the challenging Val Colvera Botanical Trail – Piazza di Poffabro loop from Fanna / Fana, which is the longest at nearly 30 km, and the Panoramic View – Small Stone Church loop from Meduno / Midun.

The Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park is rich in biodiversity. You might encounter chamois, roe deer, marmots, wood grouse, black grouse, deer, and Alpine ibex. Golden eagles are also present. To protect both your dog and the local wildlife, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas where wildlife is known to roam, and to respect all park regulations.

While hiking with your dog, you can visit the impressive 111-meter high arch dam on the Silisia torrent, which created Lake Cà Selva. Its crest is accessible and offers great views. Additionally, a shrine to the Virgin Mary is located at the dam. Some trails, like the historic Sentiero dei Forestali (which overlaps with the challenging Lago di Cà Selva Loop), offer viewpoints overlooking the lake and lead to shelters like Casera Ropa and Casera Salincheit.

The best time for hiking around Lake Cà Selva generally depends on the specific trail and weather conditions. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, especially at lower elevations, while winter brings snow and requires specialized gear and experience, particularly on the more difficult routes. Always check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views of the Dolomites, the challenging yet rewarding nature of the trails, and the immersive experience within the rich natural environment of the Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park.

Yes, for those seeking a longer adventure with their dog, the Val Colvera Botanical Trail – Piazza di Poffabro loop from Fanna / Fana is a substantial option, covering nearly 30 km with significant elevation gain. This difficult route requires excellent fitness for both you and your dog.

Given that most trails around Lake Cà Selva are rated as difficult and involve rugged terrain, scree fields, and significant elevation changes, sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are essential. For your dog, consider paw protection if they are not accustomed to rocky surfaces. Always carry enough water for both yourself and your dog, especially on longer routes, and be prepared for changing weather conditions in the mountains.

While the routes in this guide are generally rated as difficult, making them less suitable for very young children or families seeking easy strolls, older children with hiking experience and good fitness might enjoy some of the shorter, challenging loops. For truly family-friendly options, consider exploring the immediate vicinity of the dam or looking for designated walking paths in nearby towns, keeping in mind the challenging nature of the park's main trails.