Take the bike trail heading north; go through a long tunnel carved out of rock with its typical pear-like shape to allow steam locomotives pass through and you reach the iron bridge over the Rio Felizon deep gorge, definitely worth a stop .
Ride through the next short tunnel and turn left uphill as far as the state road to Dobbiaco. Keep left and without crossing the road, continue along the dirt road that climbs up to the 1513 m of Rocca di Botestagno, rising over the confluence of the Boite and Felizon rivers.
Park there and lock your bike before walking the last stretch uphill.
The excavation works, to unearth the ruins of the old Castle, have been recently completed and a headstone has been laid to commemorate the conquest of the castle by Maximilian I of Hapsburg that marked the beginning of the Austrian domination over Cortina.
The sweeping views from the top of the crag are spectacular.
Get your bike and ride back to the state road that you will cross thanks to the underpass (bumpy stretch).
Descend as far as the intersection with the road to Malga Ra Stua. Cross the large parking area and descend along the dirt road towards Pian de Loa (1360 m) and its picturesque hut known as “cason”.
The way back is along the paved road heading south. A few metres before the information office of the Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, turn right downhill towards Pian de Ra Spines. (A little further on is “Spiaggia Verde” rest stop). Ride across a spectacular bridge over the Boite river and continue on the beautiful forest road along the river shore as far as the Olympia camping site.
Turn right and ride uphill for about 2 km on the paved road closed to private vehicles leading to Lake Ghedina with its emerald crystal waters
Ride back for 200 m and take the dirt road uphill. In a couple of km you reach the level path known as “Passeggiata Montanelli”. Ride all along the path and shortly before Pié Tofana, you will find an interesting artificial lake with amazing turquoise colours.
From Pié Tofana, ride down the paved road; turn left at the next intersection to return to Lake Ghedina and continue as far as Fiames, down the same way of the ascent. Cross the state road and join the bike trail to return to Cortina.
Rest Stops:
Spiaggia Verde: Ph. +39 349 599 4229
Ristorante Lago Ghedina: Ph.+39 0436 5646
Ristorante Piè Tofana: Ph. +39 0436 4258
