JAVORAK (Javoracki vrh 927 m)

Javorak is a mountain that is know for its two beautiful lakes and a well called Grza. River Grza is a well known resort. Javorak belongs to the massif of Southern Kucaj. Distance between Belgrade and Grza is 173 km. It takes about 2.5 hours of drive by Belgrade-Nis highway. Near Paracin, exit the highway and continue toward Zajecar. Distance between Paracin and Grza is about 17 km. On the way to Grza, you must pass village Izvor. Immediately after Izvor, there is a turn to Grza. When you turn, drive for about 4.5 km, to the mountain lodge. On your way, you will pass the first lake.

 

The trail starts at the mountain lodge “Djordje Zivkovic”, which is owned by mountaineering club “Javorak” from Paracin. The lodge is operational and you can overnight. In front of the lodge is a map of the trail. Twenty meters away starts a trail to the highest peak and other peaks.

 

The trail is marked very well. In the beginning, it goes by the macadam road and soon enters the forest. After about 2.5 hours of moderate walk, you are at Javoracki vrh (927 m). Unfortunately, the peak is in the forest, there is no lookout. Half an hour before the top is a spring of clean mountain water.

From Javoracki vrh, it takes an hour to the second highest peak of the mountain, Mali Javorak (756 m).

 

Distance between Mali Javorak and starting point (mountain lodge) is about one hour. Well of Grza is 5 minutes away from mountain lodge. On your way to well, you will pass the second lake.

 

A small cave is located near the well. Above the cave, the trail leads to the two lookouts. Lookouts are located at a place called Vrelski krs. For these viewpoints, you should follow the sign that says “Izvoriste ispod bukve”.

 

From the cave to the intersection of viewpoints, it takes about 20 minutes. The climb is quite steep, but it is worth of effort. These are the only two viewpoints in the area. At the intersection are signs for right and left viewpoint. It takes 5 minutes in both directions. The views are beautiful!

 

From these lookouts you will see how Javorak is wooded. I think this is the most wooded mountain in Serbia! I never seen something similar. All peaks are in the forest and all paths leads through the woods. Viewpoints are very rare. Whole area lies under the trees, everything is green! Javorak is not my type mountain, but still has a lot to offer: two lakes with trouts in it, well of the river Grza, two beautiful lookouts, one interesting cave and several peaks. And all of this fit in only five or six hours of walk, so there’s enough time for refreshment in one of the restaurants by the river.

June 2015.