A short, but picturesque and very interesting trip from Szczawnica, full of beautiful views. A unique attraction awaits us on the route - crossing the Dunajec River on a raft. Due to the crossing, this trail can be hiked from April 15 to October 31. At the top of Sokolica there is a famous relict pine, estimated to be over 500 years old.
Trail color: red - blue
Walking time: 1 h 05 min (up)
Highest point: Sokolica 747 m above sea level
We start the trip in Szczawnica, right next to the rafting marina, where the famous Dunajec River rafting ends. Initially, we follow the red trail along the Pienińska Road until the intersection at the Orlica shelter (5 min).
At this point, there are blue signs that take us to a small marina for an interbank crossing over the Dunajec River (10 min). The crossing is undoubtedly a huge attraction of the trail because it takes place on a raft. It takes about 7 minutes to get to the other side.
After going ashore, we follow the blue signs along a forest path with individual viewpoints of Szczawnica. The slightly tiring hike ends at the toll station near Sokolica (45 min). From here, there is only a 5-minute climb along a rocky path secured with metal railings. From the top of Sokolica there is an impressive panorama of the Tatra Mountains, Pieniny Mountains and Spišská Magura. The Dunajec gorge also looks wonderful. However, what deserves special attention is the over 500-year-old relic pine growing just below the peak. It is possible to return to Szczawnica via the same route (40 min).
You can go down from Sokolica by a longer route through Sokola Perć to Krościenko nad Dunajcem, also visiting Trzy Korony, but then you have to take a bus to the center of Szczawnica. The Dunajec crossing operates from April 15 to October 31. Rafters' working hours: from April to June 8.00 - 19.00, July and August 8.00 - 20.00, September 8.00 - 18.00 and October 8.00 - 17.00. In other months, it is impossible to reach Sokolica via the described trail.
