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Retezat–Godeanu–Cernei Ridge 1/7 – Retezat Mountains

Paroșeni Mine (620 m) – The Spring Below Pietrii Peak (1,350 m)

Access

We set out on this endurance ride from the E.M. Paroșeni bus stop on National Road 66A in the town of Jiu-Paroșeni, located 16 km from the Petroșani train station, 110 km from Deva, and 64 km from Târgu Jiu. From the national highway, you can drive another 500 meters along the unpaved Minei Street until you reach the Jiul de Vest River, near the former railroad line, where there are a few homes.

About the hike on July 1

We began this expedition with a short leg of the route at 4:30 p.m. We had to hike 6 kilometers with our heavy 20-kilogram backpacks, covering an elevation gain of 700 meters. We were to spend the night in a wide, flat clearing near the spring below the summit of Pietrii, where we had an unpleasant surprise upon discovering that the water from the spring was salty and undrinkable. Lessons learned on the first day: break in the shoes you’ll be using on the hike before you leave, and keep a reserve of water until you’re sure you’ll reach the next good water source—otherwise, you’ll suffer just like we did!

Route map

(click on objectives for extended version)

Technical box

Difficulty: easy
Duration / distance: 3 hours / 6 km
Marking: red stripe, quite faded and sparse
Water sources: NONE!
Minimum elevation: 620 meters above sea level, at the start
Maximum elevation: 1,350 meters above sea level, at the finish line
Elevation difference: approximately +700 m / -0 m

Note: The fountain at the destination does NOT HAVE DRINKING WATER!

1. Paroșeni Mine (620 m) – The Spring Below Pietrii Peak (1,350 m)

3 hours / 6 km / easy / red trail

This is the trail along the Retezat–Godeanu–Cernei ridge, marked with a red stripe—the standard marking for the main ridge of the entire Carpathian range. It’s all uphill, mostly through the forest. At the summit, there’s an alpine meadow. I’ll say it again: make sure to bring enough water (3 liters) because the spring doesn’t provide drinkable water. Warning! The next spring—this one with good water—is past Piscul Oborocii, slightly off the marked trail, another 8 km (3 hours) ahead.

I walked up through the forest

the fence around the well below Pietrii Peak

the ridge of the Parâng Mountains

the spring, with undrinkable water, below Pietrii Peak

the former Paroșeni mine

Ready to go?

landscape

Conclusion: Day 1 of 7

1. Before you leave, check and break in the shoes you'll be wearing on your shift!

2. Keep a supply of water with you until you’re sure you’ll reach the next good water source; otherwise, you’ll suffer just like we did! The spring below the Pietrii peak doesn’t have good water!

All the best!

 

 

Steps:

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