Where to Go in the Carpathians Now?
Border areas are restricted for visiting, and hiking Hoverla or Khomyak again is boring. Here are a few ideas for less popular Carpathian routes.
1. Watershed Ridge
Located on the border of the Lviv and Zakarpattia regions. Here, the Carpathian rivers truly originate: Uzh, Latorytsia, Stryi, Rika.
The ridge is low and gentle, not difficult even for beginners. However, it offers wonderful views. In season, there are plenty of blueberries.
We recommend visiting the picturesque Pikui. As they say, those who haven't seen Pikui haven't seen... anything! Nearby is the famous Polonyna Runa, which has been targeted for wind farm construction for years. So, see it while you can.
2. Popadiyske Loop
This part of the Gorgany is less popular due to the more challenging logistics to the village of Osmoloda. So if you want to be in wild nature and avoid crowds, it's a great option.
The route goes through the peaks of Grofa, Perenky, Popadya, Koretvina, Petros Gorgansky. Imagine, another Petros!)
Here you'll find narrow trails among spruces, blueberry bushes (and juniper), signature Gorgany rocks, and best of all - stunning views.
By the way, did you know that these characteristic Gorgany stone scatterings are called "gregots"?
3. Arshytsia
Another relatively wild piece of the Gorgany. The route can start from the village of Myslivka, and lay the path through Gorgan Ilemskyi, Polonyna Mshana, Arshytsia and Rosokhan lakes. Then either go to Osmoloda, traversing the ridge, or return to Myslivka via Yajko-Ilemske and Polonyna Solotvynka.
Keep in mind that the ridge is heavily overgrown in places. However, the fairy-tale-like moist forests, clear lakes, and breathtaking panoramas are definitely worth the trek.
4. Smerekovy Kamin
If you're looking for an unusual one-day route, you can hike from the village of Ilnytsia to the Smerekovy Kamin tract. There are high volcanic rocks here. This area is part of the Volcanic Ridge, which also stretches into Slovakia and Romania.
Among other interesting features on the route, you can see beaver dams and an ancient beech forest.
What are your favorite off-the-beaten-path routes in the Carpathians?