The Gorce Mountains – the most beautiful trails and peaks for day trips

Gorce – Key Information

The Gorce is a mountain range that borders the Beskid Wyspowy to the northeast and the Rabka Basin to the west. To the west, along the Raba River, it borders the Beskid Oravsko-Podhalanski, and to the east, the Beskid Sądecki. This range is 33 kilometers long in a straight line, over 15 kilometers wide, and covers a total area of 550 square kilometers, abounding in many picturesque trails and peaks. The highest of these are Turbacz (1,283 m above sea level), known for its numerous trails, and Gorc (1,228 m above sea level), located within the Gorczański National Park.

A few years ago, towers and observation decks were built on many of the Gorce peaks, making them even more appealing to visitors. There are also mountain huts in the area, and the numerous trails are dotted with interesting spots worth exploring. These include:

• PTTK Mountain Lodge on Turbacz;
• The mountain hut at Stare Wierchy;
• Buland Chapel;
• Rusnakova Glade;
• The Papal Chapel.

In addition, not far from the mountain trails—for example, in Rabka-Zdrój—you’ll find the Railway Rolling Stock Open-Air Museum and the Władysław Orkan Biographical Museum.

A popular starting point in the Gorce Mountains is the picturesque town of Rabka-Zdrój, located in the Rabka Valley. Some trails can also be accessed from Nowy Targ.

Gorce – the highest peak

• Turbacz – 1,310 m above sea level
• Jaworzyna Kamienicka – 1,288 m above sea level
• Kiczora – 1,282 m above sea level
• Three Mounds – 1,281 m above sea level
• Kudłoń – 1,274 m above sea level
• Turbacz Peak – 1,259 m above sea level
• Mostownica – 1,251 m above sea level
• Gorc Troszacki – 1,235 m above sea level
• Gorc – 1,228 m above sea level
• Wisielakówka – 1,216 m above sea level
• Lubań – 1,211 m above sea level
• Średni Groń – 1,211 m above sea level
• Średniak – 1,190 m above sea level
• Rozdziele – 1,188 m above sea level
• Przysłop – 1,187 m above sea level

Picturesque trails in the Gorce Mountains – ideas for day trips

The Western Beskids mountain range offers visitors many unique and interesting trails suitable for both adults and children. Before setting out on a trail, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the details so you can tailor your route to the age, experience, and abilities of everyone in your group.

The Trail to Turbacz

Since we’re talking about the Gorce Mountains, we can’t fail to mention Turbacz, the highest peak towering above the rest. There are several trails leading to it, ranging from the easiest and relatively short ones to one of the longest—the route starting in Rabka-Zdrój, passing through Stare Wierchy, and taking about 9 hours in total.

The route in question is the red trail, which is part of the Main Beskid Trail. We start the hike right in the city center, at the PKP train station. Then we leave the city and head toward the peak known as Tatarów. It is a small hill, 710 meters above sea level, offering a picturesque view of the town.

Tatarów marks a turning point on the route, which from this point on becomes much steeper and remains so all the way to the summit of Maciejowa. The next stops along the trail are the Przysłop clearing with its PTTK mountain hut, Jaworzyna Ponicka, and the Pośrednia Pass on Stare Wierchy. There is also a PTTK mountain hut here, where we can rest before continuing on.

The red trail then leads to Obidowiec, a peak 1,106 meters above sea level covered in spruce forest, located within the Gorczański National Park. From its many clearings, there is a beautiful view of the Tatra Mountains and the Beskid Wyspowy. The National Park ends beyond this hill.

We’re now almost at the home stretch. If we head southeast, we’ll soon reach our destination: Turbacz, the highest peak in the Gorce Mountains. Once there, we can not only enjoy the views but also rest at the PTTK mountain hut.

Maciejowa and Stare Wierchy

This route is a slightly shorter version of the one described above, making it a good option for less experienced hikers. It covers some of the points and peaks along the red trail, but ends much sooner and does not reach Turbacz. We’ll start the hike in Rabka-Zdrój, but that’s not the only option. In this case, the starting point can also be Poręba, from where the yellow trail will lead us to the shepherd’s hut on Maciejowa.

This trail is relatively easy and suitable for families with children, even those as young as a few years old. What’s more, it follows less-traveled paths outside the National Park, making it ideal for those who value peace, quiet, and more privacy.

The entire route forms a neat loop, allowing you to start and finish almost at the same spot. Additionally, when setting out from Poręba, you can choose whether to head first to Maciejowa or to Stare Wierchy. The trail runs along a paved road and straight, wide forest paths, making it suitable even for young children. It includes the “Around the Poręba Valley” educational trail, which is an added attraction for the youngest participants of the hike.

There are two mountain huts along the route. The trail offers plenty of beautiful views, including those of Babia Góra and the Tatra peaks. In the spring, you’ll also see carpets of blooming crocuses.

Other trails in the Gorce Mountains

These are just two of the many unique and scenic routes that wind through the picturesque corners of this mountain range. There are many more options to explore. You should definitely also check out:

• the trail leading along the Jaszcze Creek Valley path to Magurki and the observation tower;
• the trail through the Kudłonia clearings, which runs through Gorczański National Park, a place that is beautiful in every season;
• the route from Lubomierz to the observation tower on Gorc and the Bylandowa Chapel;

a trail from Łopuszna to the Jankówki clearing, featuring elements of highlander architecture and numerous small ponds hidden among the trees.