The Naturalists' Path: From Górny Płaj to Sokolica
Nearby: Sucha Beskidzka| Distance | 1.4km |
|---|---|
| Time | 1h 8min |
| Ascents | 318m |
| Descents | 18m |
beach_access Route in the shade
directions_car Access by car
directions_bus Can be reached by bus
warning No dogs allowed
The Naturalists' Path is a short, beautiful trail that leads through the strict protection area of the Babiogórski National Park. You can access it from Górny Płaj to reach the viewpoint at Sokolica.
The Naturalists' Path - the beginning of the trail
The Naturalists' Path connects the blue trail from Krowiarki to Markowe Szczawiny, known as Górny Płaj, with the red trail leading from Przełęcz Krowiarki through Sokolica to the summit of Babia Góra - Diablak.
To reach the beginning of the trail, follow the blue trail from Przełęcz Krowiarki for about 40 minutes (2 km). The intersection of trails is called "Szkolnikowe Rozstaje", and despite its name, it has nothing to do with a school! It commemorates Wawrzyniec Szkolnik - the "babiogórski Sabała", the first local guide, storyteller, and researcher of the Babiogórski Range.
Route of the Naturalists' Path
The green trail leads us steeply uphill, mostly with comfortable stone steps. We have to overcome nearly 300 meters of elevation over a distance of 1.5 km.
One of the great advantages of this trail is the unique charm of the primeval Carpathian forest, with moss-covered trunks of fallen trees and rare vegetation characteristic of the Babia Góra massif. It is said to be one of the few tourist trails where you have a chance to encounter the lady's slipper orchid - a plant that has become a symbol of the Babiogórski National Park (although we were not lucky enough to see it).
In addition, due to the fact that the majority of tourists choose the shorter route to Sokolica via the red trail, the Naturalists' Path will be much quieter, less crowded (or even completely empty).
...and it is from the Naturalists' Path that we can see the rocky cliff of Sokolica among the trees from below.
The end of the Naturalists' Path
After about 45 minutes of climbing, we reach the red trail, which will take us to the viewpoint at Sokolica in 3 minutes (with a view of the Babia Góra ridge):
...and in about 1.5 hours to the highest peak of the massif - Diablak.
Babia Góra - all trails. For children and more
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PS. Remember to buy a ticket to enter the Babiogórski National Park and note that dogs are not allowed within its premises.
