When you’re visiting the Slovak Paradise, Hornad Gorge and Sucha Bela are two attractions you don’t want to miss. Let me say, if you plan your trip well, you can easily visit both in one day. But remember, it’s going to be a long walk, so you’ll need to be in good shape. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll remember for years.
Duration: 3h 07 min, Distance: 9 km, Altitude: 518 m + Return
Prepping for Your Trip
- Parking fee: €3
- Entry to the Slovak Paradise: €1.5
- Don’t forget about insurance
If you want to visit both attractions separately, the starting point is the same. You’ll need to leave your car in the parking lot near the Podlesok campsite. I think it’s worth mentioning that you can also buy insurance for just €0.2 per day, along with your parking fee and entrance ticket.
Choosing Your Trail
Now, if you’re here for just one day, I can tell you that it’s a good idea to combine the Sucha Bela valley with the Hornad Gorge. At the nearest small roundabout, turn right and start from Sucha Bela. Keep in mind, it’s a one-way trail and you can’t go the other way.
↳ Before you head to Tatra Park, I highly recommend reading my complete guide to Tatra Mountains. I showcase the most scenic places you won't want to miss. Make sure to check it out, so you don't overlook anything interesting: Tatra Mountains – An Insider’s Guide to All Attractions and Info
If you’re interested in exploring „only” Przełom, then choose the „second exit” and after 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Iron Gates. Being there, you need to know that most of the trails in the valleys are one-way. So, if you’re staying in the Slovak Paradise for a longer time, it’s a great idea to plan your routes in advance.
For more practical information on planning your trip to the Slovak Paradise, check out the link provided
Hornad Gorge Trail – Description
The trail through the Hornad Gorge is not only beautiful and attractive, but also full of people. I know, the first ascent of this trail took place way back in 1906, when some daring folks took advantage of a harsh winter and the ice on the river. They even returned a few months later and went down the river, not on a kayak, but on a raft!
The Mountain Rescue Trail
Marked in blue, the Hornad Gorge trail is called the Mountain Rescue Trail. Stretching several kilometers, it connects the towns of Podlesok and Cingov. The route follows the river almost all the time, creating a canyon-like valley. When there’s no slope, the path leads along numerous metal platforms driven into the rock, a few or several meters above the river’s current. Sometimes, you’ll have to work hard to get through them.
Here and there, the rocks bulge, forming the proverbial letter D, leaving very little room to pass. It’s worth noting that the trail is exceptionally two-way, and sometimes there’s no space for a passing loop on steps or chains.
Starting Your Trip
Just after the roundabout, you’ll find the blue trail. Before the real excitement begins, you’ll have to walk for about 30 minutes (first along an asphalt alley, then along a short forest path) to the place where the Sucha Bela stream flows into Hornad.
After crossing the bridge, you can say you’ve arrived and the adventure begins! At first, the path seems timid, not doing anything crazy for about 13 minutes. You’ll pass a wooden statue of the Mother of God in a rock basin and then an abandoned building. Only after that, the first short chain appears.
I am convinced that the first madness and serious test for daredevils happens just eight minutes later – the famous Stupacki at Zelenou Horou! It’s not technically difficult, but I believe not everyone feels comfortable pressed against the rock when the waters of the river roar below. This is the most challenging moment of the entire route.
Stupacky – A Feature of the Slovak Paradise
While exploring the Hornadu Gorge, the most challenging part might be encountering people coming from the opposite direction, especially at the Stupacky sections. Once you overcome this obstacle, the trail won’t surprise you with anything too extreme. During your journey, you’ll change the river bank several times.
A Moment of Remembrance
After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach the spot where a helicopter crashed with rescuers from the Horde Service in the summer of 2015. As you continue, you’ll find a junction with the green trail that leads through Kláštorská rokline to Klastorisk, a trail intersection in the Slovak Paradise. If you choose to keep trekking, you’ll need to cross the bridge to the other side.
Letanovský Mlyn – A Place to Rest
In about 30 minutes (2 hours from the parking lot), you’ll arrive at the tiny settlement of Letanovský Mlyn. Here, you can find a bar to grab a bite, drink a beer, and relax. You’ve made it through almost two-thirds of the way! From this point, you still have about 1 hour and 15 minutes left to reach Tomasovsky Vyhlad. As you continue, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by more Stupacky sections, like Stupacky Pod Młynom and Stupaczki Przy Cave.
Tomasovsky Vyhlad – Breathtaking Views
Tomasovsky Vyhlad is a stunning rock terrace, located 666.6 meters high on the southern slope of the L’udmanka Valley. Often considered the culmination of a walk through the Hornadu Gorge, this spot offers truly captivating views. In the evening, with the setting sun, the Tatra Mountains appear even more colorful. The viewing gallery, rising more than 200 meters above the valley, features an impressive, undercut cliff.
You can reach the top in about 45 minutes by following the green signs. For those short on time, there’s an alternative route from Spiske Tomasovice, which takes only 40 minutes. This beautiful place has even been a filming location for The Last Dragon, and I know of couples who got engaged here. With such a breathtaking view, it’s no wonder people fall in love with Tomasovsky Vyhlad!
References:
- https://npslovenskyraj.sopsr.sk/en/kayaking-at-the-hornad-canyon-in-slovak-paradise-national-park/
- https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/mountain-hike/hornad-gorge-and-klastorisko-slovak-paradise-national-park/30998622/
