Poiana Mărului and Muntele Mic

Lake and Șucu Waterfall at Poiana Mărului, then the plateau at Muntele Mic, with Țarcu in the distance.

A weekend for those who want mountains without rushing: one day by the lake at Poiana Mărului, with a waterfall and short hike, and one day on the plateau at Muntele Mic. It works well from April to October, when roads and paths are clear. You'll need a car. Total driving is about 2 hours, plus a drive of about 1 hour and 30 minutes between the two areas on the second day.

Mountain Banat doesn't need to be discovered in a hurry. The Poiana Mărului area, gathered around a reservoir lake surrounded by forests, is the place where you slow down from the first minutes. We suggest a weekend in two stages: first the forest, water and a hidden waterfall, then the open plateau at Muntele Mic, from where you can see, beyond the ridges, Țarcu Peak. Without Nerei Gorge and without rushing from one attraction to another.

Poiana Mărului Lake and Șucu Waterfall. Start in the morning at Poiana Mărului Lake, along whose shore it's worth taking a slow walk while the light is soft and the water is calm. The area is among the most lovable in Banat: dense forest around, cool air even in summer, villages with mountain homesteads nearby. After the lake, head towards Șucu Waterfall. The path through the forest is short and suitable for older children too, and the waterfall is all the more beautiful in spring, after the snow melts or after rain, when it has plenty of water. In summer the flow is smaller, but the coolness near the waterfall makes the walk pleasant even on hot days. In the afternoon you can take a short hike to Belvedere Poiana Mărului, from where you see the lake and the surrounding ridges. It's a trail of a few hours in total, without heavy climbs. In the evening stay at Poiana Mărului: accommodations in the area are close to all stops, and meals are taken in peace, with mountain air.

Stops: Poiana Mărului Lake, Cascada Șucu, Belvedere Poiana Mărului.

Where to eat: Ask your guesthouse for homemade dishes: beef soup, Banat stew, fried pastries with jam and sour cream. In the area you'll also find cheeses and homemade jam, bought directly from local farms.

If it rains: If it rains heavily, skip the hike for the evening or another time. Take a short walk along the lake shore when the rain lets up, then spend the afternoon at your accommodation, with hot tea and a leisurely meal.

Climbing Muntele Mic and views towards Țarcu. On the second day, set out early for Muntele Mic. The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, through Caransebeș and Borlova. You'll pass through Caransebeș, a nice spot for a morning coffee, then through Borlova, where the road begins to climb toward the mountain. At Muntele Mic you climb onto the plateau and head toward Vârful Muntele Mic, where a wide horizon of peaks opens up before you. On a clear day, your gaze reaches all the way to Vârful Țarcu, with its massive silhouette dominating the landscape. The plateau is open and windswept, so bring a jacket even in summer. On the plateau you'll also see the ski slopes of Muntele Mic, used in winter, but in summer they're simply wide meadows, perfect for walking. If you have time, stay an extra hour up there for photos and to soak in the peace. Come down before dark, so you don't find yourself driving in the dark.

Stops: Borlova, Slopes on Muntele Mic, Muntele Mic Peak.

Where to eat: Before climbing, eat at Caransebeș or in Borlova; bring a packed snack with you for the plateau. After coming down, look for a warm soup and a hearty mountain dish at any cabin or restaurant in the area.

If it rains: In bad weather, the plateau gets covered in fog and you won't see much; postpone the climb or stay in Caransebeș for a stroll through the center and a long meal, then try again if it clears up.

The drive from Poiana Mărului to Muntele Mic takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so set out early in the morning on the second day.

The plateau at Muntele Mic is windy and the temperature drops quickly: bring a jacket even in summer.

In spring and autumn the trails can be wet; wear appropriate footwear.

Fill up your car at Caransebeș before climbing; there are no gas stations up there.

Check the forecast before climbing: in foggy weather, the view toward Țarcu disappears.

When is the best time to do this weekend? From April to October, when the trails are clear. In spring the waterfall has the most water, and in autumn the forest is colorful.

Do I need a car? Yes, the distances between stops and the drive to Muntele Mic are best done by car.

How much driving is there in total? Approximately 3 hours on the second day (round trip to Muntele Mic, plus the climb) and a little on the first day, between the lake, waterfall and viewpoint.

Are the trails suitable for children? The walk to Cascada Șucu and the stroll on the lake are easy; the climb up Muntele Mic is mostly done by car almost to the plateau.