Discover the Carpathians’ best autumn hiking destinations, from Blyznytsia to Shpytsi, and enjoy golden forests, spectacular mountain panoramas, fewer crowds, and seasonal contrasts.
Autumn is a wonderful time for hiking in the mountains: the summer heat is gone, there are fewer people around, and forests and mountain meadows take on golden, orange, and red hues. The Carpathians also offer plenty of interesting trails for those who want to admire the autumn scenery.
There may be only a few fine days left for an autumn trip to the Carpathians, so it is worth taking the opportunity to see the beauty of the mountains with your own eyes. And Borzhava is not the only option. The Carpathians have other peaks that attract hikers with their extraordinary views. 24 Kanal explores where to go to experience autumn in the mountains and why hiking is especially magical at this time of year.
Where to Hike in the Carpathians in Autumn
- Blyznytsia
The Blyznytsia Mountains are located in the Rakhiv district of Zakarpattia Oblast, in the eastern part of the Svydovets Massif. The two peaks have almost identical shapes, elevations, slopes, and vegetation. Velyka Blyznytsia reaches 1,883 meters, while the second peak stands at 1,872 meters above sea level.
The area is known for its combination of coniferous and beech forests, which grow at elevations of 1,000–1,400 meters, and open mountain meadows higher up the slopes. Rare plant species can also be found here.
There are several hiking routes to choose from in the Blyznytsia Mountains. One starts in Yasinia and passes through the Bukovyna tract and the Drahobrat mountain meadow. The route is about 20 kilometers long and can be completed in a day.
Another option is a route from Kvasy through the mountains and mountain meadows. It is longer, covering around 24 kilometers, and takes approximately 10 hours. Along the way, hikers can enjoy mountain scenery, visit a cheese dairy, and buy traditional Carpathian bryndza cheese. The high-altitude lakes of the Svydovets Massif are also located near the Blyznytsia Mountains.
- Mount Pikuy
Mount Pikuy is located on the border between Lviv and Zakarpattia oblasts. It stands at 1,408 meters and is the highest peak in Lviv Oblast and the Vododilnyi Ridge. During the ascent, hikers pass through beech forests that gradually give way to fir forests. Higher up, they can see rocky slopes and subalpine vegetation.
In good weather, the summit offers panoramic views of the Carpathians. To the east, hikers can see Mount Trostian and Vysokyi Verkh; to the southeast, the Borzhava Ridge and Mount Stiy; and to the southwest, the Runa mountain meadow and Mount Host ra.
One hiking option is a route from Zdeniievo via the Kochylivskyi stream. It is approximately 12 kilometers long and takes around five hours to complete. A longer route starts in the village of Sianky, follows the Pasmо Pikuy Ridge to Mount Pikuy, and continues to Bilasovytsia. This route covers 38.5 kilometers and takes two to three days.
Mount Pikuy may appeal to those who want to see autumn forests and mountain panoramas. However, before setting out, it is worth considering the route’s length and choosing an option suited to your fitness level.
- Shpytsi
Mount Shpytsi is located in the Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and is part of the Chornohora mountain range. It stands at 1,863 meters above sea level. The summit is known for its unusual rock formations, which resemble pitchforks or spears.
One of the hiking routes to Mount Shpytsi starts near the Zarosliak tourist base and passes through the Maryshevska mountain meadow. Another option is to hike via the high-altitude Lake Nesamovyte. From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of the Chornohora range, including Mounts Brebeneskul, Vukhatyi Kamin, Dzembronia, Turkul, Petros, and Hoverla.
Mount Shpytsi is particularly appealing to those who want to see not only the autumn mountain slopes but also unusual rock formations. However, the hike requires sufficient time and proper preparation.
Why Go Hiking in the Mountains in Autumn?
Ukrainian travel blogger Emma Luchytska has shared several advantages of hiking in the mountains in autumn.
Less heat
When temperatures range from 10 to 15°C, hiking uphill can be more enjoyable than in the summer heat. Physical exertion can also feel more manageable in these conditions.
Fewer tourists
Once the holiday season ends, the mountains usually become quieter. To avoid crowds on the trails, it is best to plan hikes on weekdays whenever possible. Train tickets may also be easier to find in autumn.
Golden autumn
Shades of yellow, orange, and red transform the Carpathians into an especially picturesque destination for hiking. This beautiful autumn scenery is one of the main reasons to head to the mountains at this time of year.
The meeting of autumn and winter
In November, the first persistent snow can already be seen in the highlands, while autumn colors still linger in the lowlands. This makes it possible to experience the contrast between two seasons in a single trip.
The “Carpathian Sea”
This is what the scenery is called when mountain peaks rise above a sea of fog covering the valleys. Mount Pip Ivan is one of the best places to witness this phenomenon.
However, all hikers should remember that autumn hikes require careful planning! Before heading into the mountains, check the weather forecast, prepare warm clothing and appropriate footwear, and allow enough time for both the ascent and the return journey.
