The Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Rooster’s Crest trail runs from Breb to Rooster’s Crest Reserve. It is 8.5 km long, takes 3–4 hours and is marked with a red cross. Difficulty: medium, on forest road and trail.
- Start
- Breb
- Finish
- Rooster’s Crest Reserve
- Length
- 8.5 km
- Walking time
- 3–4 hours
- Difficulty
- medium
- Waymark
- red cross
- Surface
- forest road and trail
- Route type
- one way (start and finish differ)
The route
Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Chendroaiei Ponds – Măriuței Road – Stone Table – Rooster’s Crest Reserve
What you see on the way
- Morărenilor Lake (Lacul Morărenilor) — A 20-hectare lake formed by a landslide, near Breb. Reached on foot or by bike, at 853 m altitude, with views towards the Cocoșului Ridge.
- Chendroaiei Ponds — Periglacial lakes beneath the Cocoșului Ridge, at 1,043 m. A 2.7-hectare peat bog with rare vegetation, a relic of far colder times.
- The Rooster's Crest (Creasta Cocoșului) — The last remnant of a volcanic crater in the Gutâi Mountains; a 50 ha reserve, protected since 1954 and part of a Natura 2000 site.
Where to stay nearby
Breb · All guesthouses in Breb
- Babou Maramureș Hostel and Camping
- Breb 148 Guesthouse
- Breb 418 - Casa Opriș
- Breb's Cosy Barn
- Casa Alina
- Casa din Vale
- Casa Maramureșeană Larisa
- Casa Moroșenilor
- Casa Pintea de Sub Coasta
- Casa Pirja
- Casa Roman
- Căsuța Tivadar
- La Lenuța în Susani - Rooms for Rent
- Maramu Pension
- Lucia Pension
- Marioara Pension
- The Village Pension
- Sub Creasta Cocoșului
Good to know
- Outside the villages, do not get too close to sheepfolds. Keep your distance from the sheepdogs and call out to the shepherd.
- Ask your guesthouse host: they know the area and can tell you what to visit, depending on your time, fitness and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Rooster’s Crest trail and how long does it take?
It is 8.5 km long and takes 3–4 hours on foot.
How is the trail marked?
With a red cross.
How difficult is it?
Medium difficulty, on forest road and trail.
Is there a GPX track?
Yes, you can download the GPX file from this page.
Where can I stay near the start?
In Breb. The guesthouses in the Eco Maramureș network are listed on this page and on the Breb accommodation page.
Can I hike it with a local guide?
Yes. Local guides who lead mountain hikes: Cristina Pop, Edit Agneta Pop, Emil Ioan Pop, Horia Grosu, Ioan Godja, Ioana Brîndău, Robert Dobai, Teofil Ivanciuc, Florin Merciu (see all local guides).
How high is the Rooster’s Crest?
The highest point of the rock ridge is at 1,428 m. The base of the rock and the plateau of the reserve are at about 1,200 m.
Is the Rooster’s Crest a protected area?
Yes. The 50 ha reserve has been protected since 1954 (IUCN category III, natural monument) and is part of a Natura 2000 site.
What other trails lead to the Rooster’s Crest?
Mara – Rooster’s Crest (8.4 km, 4–5 hours) and Gutâi Pass – Rooster’s Crest (6.5 km, 2–3 hours).