Homole Gorge
Nearby: Szczawnica
beach_access Route in the shade
directions_car Access by car
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
warning No dogs allowed
This deep gorge with steep rocks is one of the biggest attractions in the Pieniny Mountains. Its name comes from the Lemko word 'homoła' or 'gomoła', which means 'round'. In the past, the gorge was completely treeless and served as a grazing area for young sheep, which couldn't escape or get lost here.
- The gorge is located in the village of Jaworki, about 6 km from Szczawnica and 2 km from Szlachtowa (along the access road sidewalk)
- Entrance to the gorge is free
- Parking available right at the entrance of the gorge
- Even on a rainy day, there is not much mud here, and the rocky path is suitable for walking
- Although the gorge is not located within the Pieniny National Park, since 2022, dogs are not allowed here
Trail through the Homole Gorge
The green trail with metal bridges over the fast-flowing Kamionka stream leads us through the bottom of the Homole Gorge. This unassuming stream played a significant role in carving the gorge. The Kamionka streambed is filled with stones, sometimes even large boulders, making the path diverse and not boring! Children will surely enjoy it!
The entire walk to the picnic meadow near the Stone Books will take us about 30 minutes. Initially, the terrain is slightly sloping, but to reach the meadow, we have to climb metal steps.
Fire Salamander
We managed to spot it during an evening walk after a rainy day. This extraordinary amphibian cannot be mistaken for any other! Fire salamanders have parotoid glands on the sides of their heads, from which poison is secreted. The yellow spots serve as a warning to predators that the animal is toxic. We can often encounter them in the evening when they usually leave their hiding places to hunt. According to old beliefs, the fire salamander is a harbinger of diseases and the cause of water contamination, and not without reason: a drowning salamander releases toxins into the water from its body, causing the poison to be released.
Dubantowska Glade and Stone Books
After a bit of climbing on the metal steps, we reach Dubantowska Glade and the rocks with an interesting name 'Stone Books.' According to legend, the destinies of all people in the world are written here.
From the Homole Gorge to Jaworki
From Dubantowska Glade, we can return the same way (green trail) or descend to Jaworki via the path passing by Wojtek's shepherd's hut and Bukowinka shelter near the upper station of the year-round Homole cable car.
To do this, we need to continue on the green trail (note: this section is always muddy...) to another meadow: Jameriska, and at the intersection of roads, turn left (the green trail turns right here, towards Wysoka).
From the Homole Gorge to Wysoka
The green trail from the Homole Gorge, Dubantowska Glade, and Jameriska Meadow continues to Polana pod WysokÄ… and to the highest peak of the Pieniny Mountains:
Medium
Wysoka Peak - the shortest trail through the Homole Gorge
P.S.1. In the area, on the way between Szczawnica and Jaworki, there is a small but worth visiting Pieniny Museum in Szlachtowa. We recommend it!
Pieniny Museum in Szlachtowa
The JĂłzef Szalay Pieniny Museum, a branch of the District Museum in Nowy SÄ…cz is a place where you can learn all about the Pieniny region ...
P.S.2. We have included this route in our article "Pieniny - Discover Their Most Beautiful Trails":
Pieniny Mountains - Discover Their Most Beautiful Trails!
Pieniny are mountains with rocky peaks, often called the 'Little Tatras.' However, the trails in the Pieniny Mountains are much easier, making them more suitable for family hikes. ...
and in the article:
Easy trails in Pieniny Mountains for children
Easy hiking trails in Pieniny. In Pieniny, you will find many easy trails perfect for first mountain hikes with children. ...
Publish Date: 2022-05-06
Last Updated: 2023-05-09
More in the Region Pieniny (Pieniny)
Total Length 126 km
