Piatra Mare Mountains – 7 Ladders Canyon

In the morning I will meet you in car park located near the old Dambul Morii hut (30 minutes driving from Brasov), the starting point of our trip.
From here we’ll walk the road following Sipoaia Valley; at the very beginning we’ll be surounded by large green meadows, but soon our track squezees through the forest revealing scenical views, accompanied by the water sound. After leaving on the left the track who leads the mountaineers to Ursului Gulch, our route becomes harder warning us about the approaching of 7 Ladders Canyon.
Once arrived here, we’ll be just breathless.
The canion is 160m long and it has a difference of elevation of 58m. First ladder is 8m high, followed by other 6; the longest ladder has 35m. The steel ladders contrast with the limestone walls and the clear water which falls without obstacles. The third ladder is the most spectacular one, both through its length and the waterfall which flows really close, splashing us a little bit.
Escaped from the bottleneck of the canyon, we’ll continue our way to Piatra Mare mountain hut, located at an elevation of 1630m in Sura de Piatra Glade, where we’ll stop to have our lunch. The views who surround us make any comment needless. During the clear days we’ll have the opportunity to admire Piatra Mare Peak, Timisului and Garcinului valleys which delimit the massif on Western and Eastern sides and we’ll watch further to Brasov and Tara Barsei.
For returning, we’ll choose an easier track, known as Drumul Principal, who will lead us downhill without serious efforts. It runs mainly through the forest escaping from time to time in small open glades who enjoy our eyes. Places with picturesque names as Livada Mare, Sirul Stancilor, welcome and reward us.
If the weather will be pleasant with us, we won’t avoid Ursului Gulch, a heaven for the climbers who come here all the time to conquer the staggering verticals.