Czarnorzeki-Strzyżów Landscape Park \ Discover \ Czarnorzeki-Strzyżów Landscape Park \ Podkarpackie travel

While wandering along picturesque trails, you’ll come across fascinating attractions in the Low Beskids, such as the Prządki Nature Reserve—a haven of peace and quiet—and the picturesque ruins of Kamieniec Castle

Czarnorzeki-Strzyżów Landscape Park

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WILD NATURE OF THE LOW BESKID

The Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park spans 25,000 hectares of forested serenity, dominated by firs, beeches, and pines. The park is home to numerous animal species, including many under protection. Notably, this area features the lower montane forest zone, characteristic of higher elevations in the Carpathians. In 1993, the most valuable areas of the borderland between the Strzyżowskie and Dynowskie Foothills were designated for protection, leading to the creation of the Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park in the Low Beskid.

The Low Beskid boast significant natural value, evidenced by numerous nature reserves, three of which are located within the park. The Góra Chełm Reserve, situated in Stępina and Jaszczurowa, is famous for its chapel and the "bleeding lime tree," which, according to legend, bled when cut. The scenic Herby Reserve, divided by the Wislok River, captivates with its beautiful landscapes, particularly the Frysztacka Gate, located in the river’s gorge. One of the best-known reserves in the Low Beskid is the Prządki Nature Reserve, a kingdom of extraordinary rock formations whose fantastical shapes have inspired legends for generations. Silence and tranquility reign here, complemented by three additional reserves on the park’s outskirts: Cisy w Malinówce, Kamera, and Kretówki.

MONUMENTS IN THE LOW BESKID WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE PARK

Within the park and its buffer zones in the Low Beskid, visitors can discover numerous intriguing monuments. Among sacred architecture, highlights include St. Paraskeva’s Church in Rzepnik and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Węglówka. It’s also worth visiting the Museum of the Countryside in Odrzykoń or the Vintage Car Museum in Jasienica Rosielna. While exploring the park, you may stumble upon the Trzy Wody Waterfall in Kombornia, hidden amidst the wild nature. For breathtaking views, head to the observation tower in Czarnorzeki.

The crown jewel of this Landscape Park, and one of the most popular attractions in the Low Beskid, is Kamieniec Castle. These majestic ruins of a Gothic structure served as inspiration for Aleksander Fredro’s famous play, The Revenge.

CYCLING TOURISM IN THE LOW BESKID

The Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park is an excellent location for cycling enthusiasts. In the village of Czarnorzeki, dedicated MTB trails have been prepared specifically for mountain bikes. These trails feature steep slopes, numerous jumps, and uneven, rocky surfaces. Amidst the wild nature of the Low Beskid, cyclists can enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience. However, these trails are not easy, so evaluating your skills and having reliable equipment is crucial.

Among the four available trails, the most challenging is the black trail "BLACKRIVER". Two additional options, "GRANDA BANDA" and "GŁODNA KŁODA", are red trails classified as difficult. There’s also an uphill trail, "BLACKRIVER UPHILL." The trails were created by the Land of Loam Association to promote cycling tourism in this part of the Low Beskid.

ATTRACTIONS OF THE LOW BESKID

The Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park is undoubtedly a highlight of the region. However, while in the area, it’s worth exploring other attractions of the Low Beskid. Although the region is primarily associated with wild nature, it also offers fascinating monuments. In Krosno, you can stop by the Glass Heritage Center (CDS), explore the picturesque market square, or visit the Podkarpackie Museum. Don’t miss the Bóbrka Open-Air Museum, located at the site of the world’s first oil well, or the manor in Żarnowiec, home to the Maria Konopnicka Museum. The Low Beskid is a captivating place where everyone can find something to enjoy.

TRAILS IN THE LOW BESKID

Hiking in the Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park is made easier by marked trails. While the trail density is less than that of the Magura National Park, the variety of options will satisfy any hiker. A popular destination is Bardo Peak in the Klonowa Góra Range, the highest elevation in the Strzyżowskie Foothills. There are six ways to reach its summit, as three trails intersect at the peak: the blue trail (Dębica – Kamieniec Castle, passing through the Góra Chełm Reserve and Wiśniowa), the yellow trail (Dynów – Siedliska near Tuchów, accessible from Huta Gogołowska or Jaszczurowa), and the green trail (Ropczyce – Frysztak). Regardless of the route, a hike to Bardo Peak guarantees an encounter with the wild nature of the Low Beskid.

For those seeking peace and quiet, the Prządki Nature Reserve is the ideal spot. The black trail, starting near the majestic ruins of Kamieniec Castle, winds through this magical part of the Low Beskid, passing rock formations and leading to Sucha Góra (585 m above sea level), the park’s highest peak. Kamieniec Castle is also accessible via the green trail connecting Krosno to Strzyżów.