Waterfalls in the wild – now accessible in Liptov via rope bridges and ladders. (source: archive of Štefan Červeň)
A local man discovered a scenic, little-known corner of the Hrabovská Valley while foraging in the forest. The area, once forgotten by most residents, is home to several picturesque waterfalls. Although some older locals remember a road running through it, many had no idea it existed.
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Now, this hidden gem is accessible to the public thanks to a new educational trail, created by dozens of volunteers, according to My Liptov. The rugged terrain, including six waterfalls, can be explored via ladders, wooden walkways, and rope bridges suspended above the forest floor.
From discovery to trail
The idea came from Branislav Mlátko, who found the site near Hrabovo and presented the concept to the civic association Hrabovská dolina. The group began clearing the overgrown forest, removing debris and old cables left behind from earlier logging – with help from Ružomberok’s Municipal Forests.
After about three months of preparation and permits, trail construction began. Around 60 volunteers – locals, students, and teachers – helped carry timber, paint, and materials up the trail on foot over just three days.
The civic association built the trail themselves, processing timber donated by Ružomberok Municipal Forests.
Trail details
The new Vodopády Hrabovská dolina (Hrabovská Valley Waterfalls Trail) is one kilometre long and features six waterfalls. The tallest is known as the “Ice Cream Waterfall”.
The route starts near the bottom station of the Hrabovo gondola lift and ends at a forest path called Medvedia cesta (Bear Path), connecting with other marked trails – including one to Malinô Brdo.
The hike is suitable for all age groups, though caution is advised due to ladders and narrow sections.
There are plans to extend the trail by up to five more kilometres. The project was financially supported by the town of Ružomberok and the Liptov Regional Tourism Organisation.
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