The Mara – Rooster’s Crest trail runs from Mara Village to Rooster’s Crest Reserve. It is 8.4 km long, takes 4–5 hours and is marked with a blue cross. Difficulty: medium, on forest road and trail.
- Start
- Mara Village
- Finish
- Rooster’s Crest Reserve
- Length
- 8.4 km
- Walking time
- 4–5 hours
- Difficulty
- medium
- Waymark
- blue cross
- Surface
- forest road and trail
- Route type
- one way (start and finish differ)
The route
Mara Village – Hopșia Valley – Stone Table – Rooster’s Crest Reserve
What you see on the way
- 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
Mara · All guesthouses in Mara
- Casa de la Mara - Rooms for Rent
- Casa de Piatră - Agritourism Guesthouse
- La Pintea Haiducu' Pension
- La Vasile la Cazan Pension
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 Mara – Rooster’s Crest trail and how long does it take?
It is 8.4 km long and takes 4–5 hours on foot.
How is the trail marked?
With a blue 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 Mara. The guesthouses in the Eco Maramureș network are listed on this page and on the Mara 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?
Breb – Morărenilor Lake – Rooster’s Crest (8.5 km, 3–4 hours) and Gutâi Pass – Rooster’s Crest (6.5 km, 2–3 hours).