Trifolao's Path

The Trifolao Trail winds along the Rocche del Roero, the geological formations of sandstone and clay created by the ancient course of the Tanaro River, which diverted its bed northward approximately 200,000 years ago. From Baldissero d'Alba, the trail descends into the deep incisions of the rocks—sandy walls up to 80 meters high—before ascending ridges covered in forests of black locust, hornbeam, and chestnut. The name recalls the local truffle hunters, the trifolao, who still walk these trails today with their tabui, the mixed-breed dogs traditionally preferred to purebreds for searching in the Roero. Along the trail, you'll encounter the remains of ancient brick kilns, an activity that exploited the exposed clay until the mid-20th century. From the highest point, near Monteu Roero, on clear days, you can see the Alpine arc from Monte Rosa to Monviso. Recommended in spring, when wild orchids bloom on the south-facing walls of the rocks.