Rusca – Izvorul Rău

What the walking is like

A one-day climb from the Bistrița valley to the ridge of the Bistrița Mountains, at Izvorul Rău, where it joins the ridge trail. Easy-to-moderate technically, but 820 m of climbing: a good day.

What we'd tell you at the gate

• Waymark: red triangle, the branch from Șaua Izvorul Rău to Rusca (confirmed by the mountain guides).
• Sheepfolds on the way: the dogs bark, don't run.
• From Șaua Izvorul Rău you can continue on the red stripe to Pietrosul Bistriței (1,791 m).

Not to miss on the way

• 1

  The Zugreni Gorge and the Pietrosul massif are nature reserves and part of the “Pietrosul Broștenilor – Cheile Zugrenilor” Natura 2000 site, with bear, wolf, lynx, capercaillie and golden eagle among the protected species.

• 2

  The Zugreni Gorge is a geological reserve: walls over 200 m, with the road and the river squeezed between them.

• 3

  Pietrosa levitomentosa grows here, a plant found nowhere else in the world, and edelweiss at its lowest altitude in Moldavia.

What else you can do on the trail

• Ice climbing in winter, in the Zugreni Gorge and at the Moara Dracului waterfall (Bistrița).
• Sport fishing on the Bistrița, with a permit.
• Rafting and kayaking on the Bistrița, at Crucea.

What grows and what moves along the trail

The species above are those documented in the area by the protected-area administration; what you see depends on season, hour and luck.

How long it takes, honestly

A linear trail: the time is one way (A → B). If you return the same way, add about two thirds; or leave a car at the far end / take the train. The duration is the one in Suceava County's official guide (Salvamont); the kilometres and driving minutes to the trailhead are from Google Maps.

• 5–6 hoursone way, A to B, at your usual pace
• 4 hoursback the same way (estimate)
• 9–10 hoursout and back, with short breaks
• 8–9 hoursone way, if you stop for photos and eat on the grass
• 9–11 hoursone way, with children, grandparents or a pack full of “just in case”