Outdoor & Trails · Zărnești

Trail: Casa Folea – Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor (red stripe)

Red stripe, from Casa Folea to the Zărnești Gorges, on the Dwarves' Path. 3.9 km, 1 h 45 min, almost all downhill.

Foto: Xulescu g / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

Distance from MAX 22 km Travel time 1 h 45 min Time to spend 1 h 45 min Difficulty easy; the listing also says "medium/difficult" Town Zărnești

About the place

In short (checked 15 October 2026)

Waymark: red stripe (code 02MN23 according to OSM; the Munții Noștri page gives 02MN22). Distance: 3.9 km. Elevation: 40 m of ascent and 380 m of descent. Duration: 1 h 45 min. Difficulty: easy; the listing also says "medium/difficult". The route is also called Poteca Piticilor (the Dwarves' Path).

Where it goes

The route links Casa Folea (1,190 m) with the Zărnești Gorges, according to Munții Noștri and OSM. It is almost all downhill: 40 m of ascent and 380 m of descent. On the way the sources mention a wooden well, which is closed, and the Zărnești river. Other landmarks are not published in our sources. The two sources give different codes for the same route (02MN22 and 02MN23), so on the ground follow the red stripe waymark, not the code.

Safety

According to the source, the route is passable all year round. The wooden well on the route is closed, so do not count on it; bring water from home. As a shelter, the source mentions Casa Folea (hut/guesthouse), at the start; its opening hours are not published in our sources. Bear risk is not published in our sources. The route lies in Piatra Craiului National Park, which has a visitor ticket; check the price and the visiting rules on pcrai.ro/bilete before you go. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668), the national Salvamont number. For information, P2 gives Salvamont Zărnești as 0733 008 323; we could not find this number confirmed on an official page on 15 October 2026.

Getting to the start

From MAX International in Râșnov, drive to Zărnești. The road to Casa Folea is not described in our sources, so check it on the map. Parking at the start is not published in our sources. The route ends in the Zărnești Gorges, far from the start; there is a separate page on the gorges in this guide. You can see the distance and driving time with the navigation buttons on this page.

Before you set out

Brown bear country. Keep food out of sight, never feed the animals and do not approach them.
Stay on marked trails and carry proper mountain gear.
Check the forecast before you leave; the weather changes fast at altitude.

Emergencies: 112
Mountain rescue (Salvamont), national dispatch: 0725 826 668

Frequently asked questions

What is the MAX International Local Guide?

A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.

How far are the attractions from MAX International?

It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.

Is the guide's information verified?

Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.

Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?

Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.

How do I reach the attractions without a car?

The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.

What is the best time to visit the area?

The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.

Can I book accommodation near these attractions?

Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.

Getting there

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Opening hours and prices are confirmed by the site’s management, not by MAX.

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