If you want a less crowded but equally spectacular experience in the Slovak Paradise, the Piecky Valley is the place to be. Most tourists flock to Sucha Bela and the Hornad Gorge, but this valley and its neighbor, Velky Sokol, offer a more peaceful experience.
I am convinced that the highlight of the valley is its three large waterfalls:
- Velky Waterfall
- Kaskady Waterfall
- Terasovy Waterfall
The valley got its name from the hollows at the base of the waterfalls, which resemble furnaces and were created by falling water from the streams.
If you need to know, the highest waterfall is Velky, at 13 meters, while the other two are both 8 meters tall. Terasovy waterfall formed after the collapse of a cave, adding to the unique landscape.
Parking, Fees, and Trail Information
To start your adventure, you’ll need to park your car in Hrabušice, píla. The parking fee is just 3 €, and the entry to the Slovak Paradise costs 1.5 €. I think it’s worth considering getting insurance, as it’s quite easy to get injured in this area.
The trail through Piecky Valley is one-way, marked in yellow, and takes less than 2 hours to complete. As you venture through, you’ll encounter numerous ladders, steps, and chains that add to the excitement. It’s a wild and empty place that’s perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet.
Piecky Valley Trail Details
Time: 1h 31 min | Distance: 3.5 km | Ascent: 403 m + Return about 2 hours
Situated in the north-western part of the Slovak Paradise, the Piecky Gorge lies between Suchá Bela and Velky Sokol. I can tell you that reaching the gorge is quite simple. If you’re starting from the campsite in Podlesok, follow the green trail for about an hour. However, it’s worth mentioning that this portion might not be the most exciting part of your journey, as you’ll walk on asphalt for a significant distance.
Alternatively, if the Piecky Valley is your main destination, you can drive to the parking lot or take a bus and get off at the Hrabušice Píla stop. After paying the entrance fee, walk for a few more minutes along the green trail until you spot the yellow markings on your left.
Píľanka Stream and the Valley’s History
The picturesque Píľanka stream, which originates on the Glac plateau, flows through the valley. The valley itself spans 3 km in length, with an elevation gain of 361 meters. I believe it’s interesting to know that the first crossing of the gorge happened in 1911.
Waterfalls in the Piecky Valley
As you begin your journey through the Piecky Valley, the first steps might feel timid and slightly sleepy. The trail starts off gently in a gorge that slowly narrows, with a lazy stream flowing at the bottom. This section is called Biela Dolina, and you’ll quickly understand the origin of its name once the sun comes out and illuminates the boulders and stones.
The Magnificent Velky Waterfall
After less than an hour of leisurely walking, you’ll be suddenly surprised by a vertical wall and the Velky Waterfall appearing out of nowhere. On its right side, you’ll find a ladder – although calling it a ladder might be an understatement, as it’s the highest one in the entire Slovak Paradise! It’s slightly bent and reaches the height of a second floor.
There’s no other way but to climb along the cascade of the Great Falls. Be cautious, as water may splash on the steps, making them slippery. The ladder ends almost perfectly with a threshold, which makes it a bit tricky to descend. You’ll find metal steps and a fragment of a chain to help you out.
More Exciting Obstacles and Waterfalls
Once you’ve overcome the first obstacle, the route becomes much more interesting. You’ll encounter numerous footbridges, narrow passages, and waterfalls that make you wish the walk would never end. About 45 minutes from the first waterfall, you’ll come across the second one, Tarasowy. It’s slightly shorter, at 10 meters high. In the past, a cave existed here, but after it collapsed, a pleasant waterfall was formed. History repeats itself, as you’ll find another ladder on the right side with a chain for belaying at the top.
As you continue along the gorge, it alternately widens and narrows. After some time, you’ll pass the source of Píľanka – your last chance to replenish water supplies. With just one final approach, the trail leads you to the picturesque Mała Polana.
Summary
Since the Piecky Valley is relatively short, you might want to make the most of your day and explore another valley. There are several options to choose from, and we think it would be a great idea to check out Veľký or Malý Kyseľ as well.
However, if you’re more interested in quickly returning to the starting point of your trip, the best route would be to turn right at „Piecky – vrch” following the green trail, then head to the red trail and turn right again. The return journey should take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Remember that the valleys in the Slovak Paradise are narrow and deep, so the sun doesn’t reach them very often. Additionally, the narrow rocks create a specific microclimate, which makes the temperatures in the valleys much lower than in sunnier areas. Be sure to dress accordingly!
Also, keep in mind that after heavy rainfall, the water levels in the streams can rise significantly, making it much more challenging to navigate the gorges. So, always check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
References:
- https://turisticky.sk/turistika/roklina-piecky/
- https://hiking.dennikn.sk/ar/5354/roklina_piecky.html
- https://www.npsr.sk/turistika/87/piecky
