A simple path leads to this large waterfall which appears in all its wild beauty, also enhanced by a mirror of very clear water where the water falls with thunder, creating, with the nebulization, ephemeral and evanescent figures that are always different and harmonious.
The Fontanone di Goriuda
The nickname Cascata del Sole indicates the final stretch of the imposing Cascade of water that comes out of the Fontanon di Goriuda, in Val Raccolana .
The spectacular Fontanone di Goriuda waterfall originates directly from the belly of the earth, in that point of the Val Raccolana where the snow and rain of the Canin mountain group flow out into the open after an underground journey of kilometers through the meanders and sinkholes of the karst rock.
In the coldest winters the waterfall can freeze completely making the environment even more suggestive. If you are considering a winter visit, crampons are recommended or, even better, crampons due to the abundant presence of ice on the ground
Behind the waterfall
The spray of the water has eroded the rock behind the waterfall which is now accessible via a short path.
A flow of icy water that leaps from the upper cave onto the valley, then pours into the mirror of very clear water that meets at the base of the waterfall, in the vaporous atmosphere of the lush beech forest.
Near the lake, a pleasant path reveals the secrets of Goriuda from a new point of view, one that allows a view of the valley, Mount Montasio and Mount Cimone from the belly of the waterfall itself, passing close of the jet along a mysterious sheltered rocky cave.
Itinerary details:
Going up the Raccolana valley from Chiusaforte towards Sella Nevea, just beyond the town of Piani, it is possible to park near the “Al Fontanon” restaurant from where the waterfall is already visible. Follow the provincial road for about twenty metres, near the monument to the cyclist, the signs guide you along an easy path that enters the woods to the base of Fontanone which can be reached, on hiking terrain suitable for everyone, in about 5 minutes.
The terminal underground part of the Fontanone, where the waters flow inside the mountain, can be visited with the guides of the Julian Prealps Park, with a dinghy to overcome the first room flooded and subsequently along an easy equipped route.
We recommend a visit during autumn to enjoy the foliage of the beech forest.
Parking and Route
In Chiusaforte, follow the signs for Sella Nevea until you reach Val Raccolana.
There are some free car parks along the SP76 or a car park is available along the river bank.
It is also possible to park at the “Al Fontanon” restaurant but only if you consume something there.
From the car park, after crossing the road on foot, turn left onto the asphalt road until you see a path on the right. The route is slightly uphill and in about 5 minutes of walking leads to Fontanon. From here, you can walk around and behind the waterfall.
If you like, you can continue the visit by going down the stream to have further glimpses of secondary waterfalls that enter the woods.
The Resurgence Cave
The resurgence has a cavity, almost completely flooded, of 767 metres.
The cave has been explored and 250 meters are passable during guided tours. In fact, in periods of low rainfall and upon reservation, speleologists accompany small groups of the public inside the resurgence, climbing up the cavity. An interesting experience but absolutely forbidden to the unaccompanied public due to the need to use technical progression material in the cave and obvious safety reasons.
Speleological Visits
The Julian Prealps Natural Park organizes guided speleological visits inside the Fontanon Cave of Goriuda in summer. Follow the Park’s social profiles to find out the dates.
Fontanone di Goriuda
Chiusaforte (Udine) Val Raccolana
Friuli V.G. – Italy
Website info (further information)
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