Where to go into the mountains in early spring in Poland? Where to look for the first signs of nature waking up? Which trail to choose for a spring hike, and what should you remember when planning a spring mountain trip? Here are some ideas and tips for visitors from outside Poland.

Early spring in the mountains is not quite spring yet!

When city streets are full of sunshine, birds sing in the morning, and gardens bloom with primroses, crocuses, daffodils, and tulips, we feel that spring has arrived and it is time to look for it in the mountains and forests too. But remember: in the mountains, spring arrives later and has a harder path.

The start of spring in the mountains means slowly melting snow that can stay for a long time, especially on north-facing slopes, in shaded valleys, and at higher elevations.

In early spring, many forest ravines turn into streams, and small brooks become fast, strong torrents. Well-trodden forest paths often become flowing mud, and meadows feel like big, wet sponges.

How to prepare for your first spring trip to the mountains?

First, be ready for likely conditions. Take solid waterproof boots, and maybe even waterproof pants. We also suggest leaving an extra change of clothes in the car (shoes, socks, pants). If you slide through mud or step knee-deep into it, the ride back will be much nicer in dry clothes and footwear.

Which trail should you choose for an early spring walk in the mountains?

You cannot fully avoid mud in spring, but you can choose trails where there should be less of it, such as:

• choose a popular trail rather than a rarely used one (there are often simple crossings over streams and more hardened sections)
• prefer south-facing slopes over north-facing slopes (on the north side, snow stays longer, so there is more moisture and mud)
• pick trails that traverse the slope rather than go straight up (steep ascents can turn into a stream or a muddy slide)
• look for trails with a hardened surface (at least partly), rather than only wild forest paths. Early spring is a good time to accept a bit of asphalt on the trail!

5 ideas for spring walks in the mountains – recommended trails

Based on the tips above, here are a few ideas for early spring trips in the Polish mountains that are beautiful and interesting, and also convenient and safe.

1. Crocuses, crocuses… and more crocuses!

Yes, crocuses are the symbol of spring in the mountains. Because of them, crowds visit the Chochołowska Valley in the Tatra Mountains (near Zakopane, on the border with Slovakia) every year.

Easy

directions_walk child_friendly directions_bike

Chochołowska Valley

straighten 6.3km

timer 2h 14min

north_east 264m

south_east 60m

If you prefer peace and quiet instead of crowds, look for crocuses on meadows in the Gorce Mountains, for example at Stare Wierchy, on Gorc Troszacki, or on Hala Turbacz.

The northernmost natural site of the Tatra crocus close to Kraków (Krakow) is Polana Sucha meadow. You can reach it by a forest road from Poręba Wielka or via the new black trail from Lipnik (mostly on a road).

Find more fun facts about the Tatra crocus (saffron) here:

Crocus - the mountain harbinger of spring

Crocus is an extraordinary flower that serves as a symbol of the arrival of spring in the mountains. ...

2. Butterbur: spring wakes up beside the river

Spring is not only crocuses on mountain meadows. On sunny, moist banks of mountain rivers you will find many early signs of spring. One of the first is the unusual green-and-white flowers of butterbur.

Soon these flowers turn into huge, wide green leaves that cover whole stream banks.

Forest roads along mountain streams that are closed to cars are a good idea for an easy spring walk if you want to avoid deep mud. No matter which region you visit, you will find something for yourself.

We recommend for example:

• in the Silesian Beskids: Biała Wisełka Valley, Zimnik Valley
• in the Żywiec Beskids: the Waterfall Trail (Szlak Wodospadów), that is the Sopotnia Wielka Valley, Czatożanka Valley in Zawoja
• in the Gorce Mountains: Kamienica Valley (Gorce)
• in the Pieniny Mountains: the Dunajec Valley, that is the Pienińska Road, and the Biała Woda Nature Reserve
• in the Sądecki Beskids: Roztoka Wielka Valley, Łabowczański Stream Valley
• in the Low Beskids: Kłopotnica Valley in Folusz, Czarny Potok Valley with Crocus Glade and Crocus Spring in Rymanów-Zdrój
• in the Bieszczady Mountains: the boardwalk paths at the Tarnawa Peat Bog and the Pichurów Path in the Roztoki Valley

3. The prettiest hepatica (liverleaf) flowers

Hepatica (also called liverleaf) are delicate blue-violet flowers that greet us in spring in many forests, not only in the mountains. We found the most beautiful ones in Ojców National Park (near Kraków).

The paths in the small valleys around Kraków are a great idea for a sunny spring walk. Even if they are not paved, the solid rocky ground means you are unlikely to get stuck in deep mud.

The Most Beautiful Valleys near Krakow

The valleys near Krakow - which one is the most beautiful? The white, limestone rocks surrounding Krakow hide many extraordinary trails and paths. ...

4. Wood anemones, snowdrops, toothwort, and hacquetia

Spring in the forest often means carpets of wood anemones that light up many woods (not only in the Beskids). Sometimes you do not have to travel far to find them.

Forests in Krakow and forests around Krakow

Tired of your local park? Even the most elaborate and modern playground doesn't excite you anymore? ...

If you are looking for something special and less common, try to find wild forest snowdrops in the Muńcoł Reserve in Ujsoły (the fastest access is on the blue trail from Soblówka), or the rare hacquetia (cieszynianka wiosenna) in the Cieszynianka Reserve in Mogilany near Kraków.

5. Marsh marigolds (kaczeńce)

A bit later (April–May), look for marsh marigolds along mountain streams. We have found the most beautiful clusters in Gorce National Park, in the Kamienica Valley.

Good news: you can reach this valley on a comfortable asphalt road (no mud!).

Easy

directions_walk child_friendly directions_bike

Valley of Kamienica, blue trail from Rzek

straighten 5.5km

timer 2h 10min

north_east 323m

south_east 113m

Please share your spring discoveries with us.

PS. Spring flower coloring pages and fun facts

To finish, here are some spring coloring pages and fun facts about spring flowers.

Identifying Spring Flowers: A Guide with Coloring Pages for Kids

One of the most beautiful signs of spring are flowers pushing through the still-frozen ground. ...