EASY HIKE IDEA IN MACIN MOUNTAINS - CIRCUIT-TYPE TRIP TO PRICOPAN PEAK
Located in the northwestern part of Dobrogea, Macin Mountains were a stopping point on our way to the Danube Delta. We chose to follow the route to the Peak of Pricopan, a fairly easy hike, I would say, which could be done even with children.
Macinului Mountains have been on my wish list for a long time, so when I had the opportunity, I didn't think twice and organized a short hike here as well. I was surprised by the beauty of Dobrogea's landscapes, but also by the very diverse fauna of this area of the country. If you are passionate about wildlife, I am convinced that this route will delight you. Here you can admire many species of birds, some of which live only in this area of the country, the Dobrogean tortoise, the osprey and if you're lucky, jackals (don't worry, they don't attack people). In addition to the diverse fauna, the flora is also unique in Romania, with more than 70 types of rare plants growing here.
The easiest way to get here is if you set either the Izvorul Tamaduirii Monastery or the Macin Camping as the destination on the sat nav. The last part of the road, from 22D, is unpaved, but easily accessible and there are also signs to the entrance to the park.
We couldn't help but stop for photos, both in the area of the Macin river, on the Old Danube, and on the unpaved road near the National Park.
If you decide to stop in the Macin river area, use an anti-mosquito spray before getting out of the car. Because of them, I didn't last more than 5 minutes there, they are the most aggressive mosquitos I've met, they weren't that bad even in the Danube Delta :)) Trying, however, to ignore this aspect, the landscape here is gorgeous , seems to be a fairy tale place, with lot of peace, greenery, trees that are reflected in the water and many storks out fishing... maybe the morning light also played an important role in creating this almost magical setting.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE MACINULUI MOUNTAINS:
If you decide to stay in the area, the offer for accommodations is not very varied, but there are several guesthouses, both in Macin and in other nearby towns. If you are more adventurous, you can try sleeping in a tent in the Macin campsite.
If you don't like the idea of staying in a tent in a campsite, the number of good accommodations on Booking is quite limited. With the exception of those in Braila, which have very good reviews, I found the accommodation option right next to the Macinului National Park, at La Nenea Iancu Guesthouse. The location has an outdoor pool, a common kitchen, a place for a barbecue and a garden.
The second stop for landscape photography, was at the entrance to the Macin's National Park. I limit myself to posting only one photo, although I took several dozen. The rural landscape was very nicely complemented by the tranquility of the area and the multitude of birds. I really liked the combination between the wheat field and the mountains behind, which look very imposing. I am sure that the location looks gorgeous, regardless of the season.
Although they have the height of some hills and are not mountains in the true sense of the word, the landscapes here are unique in Romania and it is well worth organizing at least a weekend in this area and enjoying the beauty of nature.
THE HIKE IN MACIN MOUNTAINS TO PRICOPAN PEAK
The hike to Culmea Pricopanului can be done at any time of the year, but should be avoided in the summer months. The area is very arid and there are no water sources, only at the beginning of the route, at Fantana de Leac, but which was a bit dry when we were there. Also near the fountain, the actual ascent of the route to the peak begins, marked with a blue line.
As I said above, it is not a difficult or dangerous hike, but it is quite a long one (about 10 km), which we covered in about 5 hours, with breaks... breaks specially to take pictures, at every step there is something to attract our attention, either an interesting plant, or a bird, or simply the landscape.
Macin Mountains represent Romania's oldest relief form, which was formed approximately 400 million years ago, initially being much higher, but with the passing of time, they were naturally ground by meteorological phenomena.
After passing through the forested area at the base of the mountain, it starts in the steppe area, which is predominant throughout the route. Once we pass the forest, we can also admire the colorful view on the western side. Moving our gaze from the sunflower field, in the distance we can see the town of Macin.
After climbing a little, still on the western side of the mountain, you can see, in the distance, the Izvorul Tamaduirii Monastery, and at the base of the rock, is the forested area of the route, most of the trees growing in the valley area, where there is a little more humidity and less wind.
The path takes us slowly, slowly to the opposite side of the slope, where the landscape is just as spectacular. We were lucky enough to be the only people to do this hike, and the silence of the path made the experience even more beautiful.
Some stones that deserve to be photographed. The one below, I thought it resembled a turtle's head :)) Let's at least see carved stones, because I haven't seen any Dobrogean tortoise, even though it's their country. Also on this route you can see the Sphinx of Dobrogea, which I missed, so I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly where it can be seen.
It is recommended to stay on the path for the entire hike, because there may be birds or animals that nest right on the ground. In this way we reduce the risk of destroying their nests or injuring them.
Most of the hike takes place on the high part of the mountain, and the last part is an unpaved path, without differences in level, which leads to the starting point in the camping area.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THE HIKE:
Since, however, it is a hike, with differences in level, it should not be treated superficially, even when it comes to equipment. So boots, a good backpack, a raincoat (which you should have in your rucksack regardless of the weather forecast), trekking poles, a little food and plenty of water, should not be missing. If you come here in the summer (although I don't recommend it, even if it not crowded), as we did, keep in mind that there are no shaded areas, so you will be in the sun for almost the entire duration of the route, so a long-sleeved shirt, cream with protection factor and a cap/hat are also essential.
OTHER TRAILS IN THE MACINULI MOUNTAINS:
- Tutuiatul trail - starting point Greci village center - with blue triangle marking;
- Varful Crapcea trail - starting point Cerna village - red line marking;
- Thematic Trail Povestile Macinului - starting point Satul Greci - blue dot marking;
- Cozluk trail - Greci starting point - red dot marking;
OTHER PLACES THAT WE VISITED IN THIS TRIP
The Danube Delta, about which I wrote a separate article. I only visited the town of Sfantu Gheorghe. You can book a trip to Danube Delta from Bucharest, details here.
Dobrogea Gorge is just a road that passes through an area with rocks shaped by water and wind over millions of years. If you are passionate about photography, you have something to take pictures of: both the beautiful landscapes, as well as birds and ground squirrels, the latter being extremely common in this area.
Enisala Fortress, which in the medieval era was a military fort, nowadays is only a tourist location, from where we can admire beautiful landscapes over the Razem or Babadag Lakes.
These are the places I visited in the Dobrogea area, where I plan to return because I liked it very much. Besides these, I also have on my list to visit places such as: Cave of St. John Cassian, Histria Fortress, Buried Church of Istria, Adam's Cave, Sarichioi, Dolosman Cape, Argamum Fortress, Capidava Fortress, Adamclisi Monument.
Moreover, in the area of Dobrogea there are many archaeological sites of ancient fortresses, and for many of them you will see indicators. Unfortunately, not all of them are very well cared for, but even so, if they come across your way and you are passionate about history, it is worth visiting them.
CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE MACINULUI MOUNTAINS AND THE DOBROGA AREA
The Macin Mountains are often overlooked when we organize weekend getaways from big crowded cities, but I promise you that they are worth visiting, especially since most of the trails are easy and can be done by anyone. If we also take into account the wildness of the place and the multitude of birds and animals that can be seen in their natural environment, we can say that it is one of the most underrated tourist locations in Romania. Also, in May, you have the opportunity to admire the wild peonies. Macinului National Park is one of the few places in this world where you can admire them.
So, you are nature and wildlife lovers and you want to get away from the very touristy areas, then the Macinului Mountains can be an option. You can even spend several days in the area, especially since the Dobrogea area has a lot to offer and is different from any other place in Romania.
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Read also about: the route to Moara Dracului Waterfall, Magura and Pestera villages, Bran Castle or Bicajel's Gorges.
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