Forrest Mallard - May 30, 2021
Friedrich-August Trail
Trentine Alto Adige, Italy
Start: Passo di Sella
End: Compaccio
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Well-Graded Mountain Trails
Website: www.visittrentino.info
In the early 1900s, Friedrich August III, newly crowned king of Saxony, visited the South Tyrol town of Alpe di Siusi near Compaccio-the largest mountain plateau in Europe and the undisputed king of mountain plateaus outside of the tepuis of Venezuela. When he saw the panorama of mountains that stretched before him, the king wanted more than anything to give his name to a local trail. Consequently, the Friedrich-August Trail, the trail with the impeccable pedigree, was born.
The walk begins at Passo di Sella, and from there it’s a short climb to the Friedrich-August hut, where the actual trail starts. lt is an easy path that allows you to circumnavigate the six major summits of the Dolomites’ Sassolungo Group-a wonderful alpine wilderness full of huge rock faces, ice gullies, ledges, pinnacles, and even a small glacier-in around five hours. On the way, you will be able to admire some of the finest Dolomite panoramas, including views over the Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel Mountains, as well as of the Sella massif to the east and the Pale di San Martino to the south.
From the Friedrich-August hut, walk along a contour line to the Sasso Piatto hut (7,545 feet/2,300 m) and then onward over volcanic subsoils to the Passo Duron, a high mountain pass that connects the Zoido and Cordevole valleys, before starting the descent to Saltria, from where a bus will take you back to your starting point.
If you are the sort of person who likes walks that provide maximum thrills for minimal effort, this is one walk that you really need to do before you die.
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Meet the Head Tramp
Forrest Mallard is a travel writer, filmmaker, and adventure guide who has dedicated his life to exploring the world and sharing its stories. With over 50 countries deeply explored, his blog, Tramposaurus Treks, has become a trusted resource for adventurers, even earning recommendations from national tourism boards.
Forrest’s storytelling spans multiple mediums, from documentary filmmaking to in-depth travel writing, often weaving history, culture, and personal experiences into compelling narratives. His acclaimed documentaries on the Walt Disney Company have even earned the rare praise of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner—a testament to his ability to uncover and present compelling stories. His professional background is as varied as his passport stamps—ranging from adventure guiding in Ecuador, Thailand, and Alaska to producing large-scale entertainment in Dubai, managing concert tours in South Africa, and even working aboard National Geographic Expedition ships. This eclectic career path has armed him with a unique perspective: one that blends logistical expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown. Whether leading travelers through rugged landscapes, crafting historical documentaries, or sharing insights on long-distance trekking, Forrest remains dedicated to inspiring others to explore, connect, and embrace adventure—preferably with a well-worn backpack and a good story in tow.
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