🏞️ Hiking to Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor), Maramureș, Romania

⛰️ A Breathtaking Day Trip into the Carpathian Mountains • High in the Rodna Mountains, near the charming town of Borșa, the Horses’ Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) is the tallest waterfall in Romania and a must-see for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. It's the perfect day trip for anyone visiting Maramureș, a region known for its traditional wooden villages and unspoiled mountain landscapes. 📍 Where Is It Located? Cascada Cailor is located in Munții Rodnei (Rodna Mountains National Park), near the ski resort and town of Borșa, in northern Romania. The waterfall sits at an altitude of about 1,300 meters (4,265 ft), surrounded by lush pine forests and alpine meadows. 🥾 How to Get There • By cable car: From Borșa Tourist Complex (Complexul Turistic Borșa), you can take a scenic chairlift (telescaun) up the slope (check availability in off-season). From the top, it's about a 30-minute hike through forest and open terrain to reach the waterfall. • By hiking trail: If you're up for more adventure, hike directly from the Borșa resort area. The trail takes around 2 to 2.5 hours one way and offers stunning views of the valley and mountains along the way. 🌊 What Makes the Waterfall Special? • Height: Over 90 meters (295 ft), cascading in multiple steps. • Name legend: The name “Horses' Waterfall” comes from a local legend where wild horses were chased off the cliffs by a bear during a storm. • Scenery: Surrounded by rugged cliffs and forests, the setting feels untouched and wild. Perfect for photographers, especially in spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds the flow and nature is at its greenest. 📸 What to Bring • Comfortable hiking shoes (some areas can be muddy or rocky) • Water and snacks (there are no shops at the top) • Camera or phone for photos • Light jacket or raincoat (weather can change quickly in the mountains) • Cash, if using the chairlift (check if card payment is accepted beforehand) 🏡 Where to Stay You can find guesthouses and cabins in Borșa, many of which offer views of the mountains. Recommended options: • Pensiunea Casa Dina – cozy and traditional • Hotel Victoria – central and convenient • Cabana Runcu – more remote, closer to nature 🕐 Best Time to Visit • Late spring to early autumn (May–October) – best hiking conditions • Winter – the area is popular with skiers, but the trail to the waterfall can be inaccessible due to snow 🌲 Tips for Travelers • Check the chairlift schedule before going – it may not operate every day. • Respect nature: don’t leave trash, stay on marked paths, and watch for wildlife. • Combine your visit with a trip to other Maramureș gems, like the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța or the Wooden Churches of Maramureș. Cascada Cailor isn’t just a waterfall – it’s a magical journey through the Carpathians, filled with legends, fresh air, and views that will stay with you long after your hike ends. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips in Romania. #adventuremoments