The Maggia River reaches Lake Maggiore just east of Ascona, creating a flatter, wilder edge between the resort town and Locarno. It is not a manicured lakefront promenade, which is why it is useful when Ascona starts to feel too neat.
Paths and bike routes around the river give easy access to reeds, gravel banks, and broad lake views. It is a simple walk, but a good one, especially outside the hottest part of the day.