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Gorge and trail · Hrabušice, Košice
Suchá Belá Gorge
The most visited gorge of the Slovak Paradise, followed along the streambed with wooden and iron ladders, chains, metal steps and walkways, passing tiered waterfalls. One-way only, ascending.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Suchá Belá Gorge
Suchá Belá is a narrow gorge in the north of the Slovak Paradise, protected as a national nature reserve. The entrance is a few minutes’ walk from Podlesok, the tourist settlement of Hrabušice. It is the park’s most sought-after gorge because it combines in a short route the elements that made the area famous.
The trail climbs through the streambed, between limestone walls that approach to a few meters. The steepest sections are overcome by wooden and iron ladders fixed to the rock, chains, metal steps and walkways over the water. Along the way are tiered waterfalls, such as Misové vodopády and Okienkový vodopád, which passes through an opening in the rock. For safety, passage is one-way: you only go up, against the current.
The most common circuit starts in Podlesok, climbs the gorge to the high plateau, continues through the forest to Kláštorisko and descends to the Hornád river to return to the starting point, in about four hours and fifteen minutes, with roughly 400 meters of ascent.
The gorge requires good-soled footwear, free hands and some fitness. On summer days there are queues on the ladders. After heavy rain the water level rises and the gorge may be closed by the park administration.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About four hours and fifteen minutes for the circuit including Kláštorisko; only the gorge, out and back via the forest paths, about three hours.
Best time
From June to September, on a dry day, leaving early to avoid queues on the ladders. After heavy rain, check whether the gorge is open. In winter, with ice, it is not recommended.
How to get there
The entrance is a few minutes’ walk from Podlesok, about 2 km from Hrabušice, where there is parking. From Poprad it is about 20 km by car.
Tip
Use a backpack and keep your hands free for the ladders. Before setting out, check at the Podlesok information center or with the mountain rescue service whether the gorge is open.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Suchá Belá Gorge
Is the Suchá Belá trail difficult?
It’s of medium difficulty: there are sections with nearly vertical ladders and passages with chains beside the water. It requires physical fitness and sturdy footwear.
Can you descend the Suchá Belá gorge?
No. The route is one-way, only uphill, against the current; to return you must use the forest trails or the circuit via Kláštorisko.
Where does the Suchá Belá trail start?
In Podlesok, the tourist settlement of Hrabušice, which has parking and an information center.
Is Suchá Belá open year-round?
It can close after heavy rains when the water rises, and in winter ice makes the passage inadvisable. Check current conditions before going.