Sokole Góry Reserve
Sokole Góry Nature Reserve - this is a forest nature reserve located on the Kraków-Częstochowa Jura, approximately 12km southeast of Częstochowa (Silesian Voivodeship). The reserve was established in 1953, although the project for its creation was first proposed in 1936. The name Sokole Góry was given by the local population and suggests that there were once nests of falcons on the hills, and until recently, it was also home to the rare Eurasian eagle-owl in Poland.
The reserve encompasses limestone hills with rich karst forms (it consists of 9 elevations and rocky massifs that create a kind of mountain nest, averaging about 400 meters above sea level) and caves which are habitats for 8 species of bats.
The forests of the reserve include: -pine forest, -in the upper parts of the reserve, a natural beech forest (Sudeten beech forest on the northern slopes and rock beech forest on the southern slopes) mixed with fir, hornbeam, oak, and lime, along with individual specimens of Polish larch reaching 150 years of age.
A key tourist route runs through this popular area, namely the red Eagle’s Nest Trail, along with the yellow Olsztyn Trail. In the immediate vicinity, there are also cycling routes: the blue Kacper Karliński Trail, the green Around Olsztyn Trail, and the black Olsztyn Trail, as well as an equestrian trail from the Biały Borek Stable in Biskupice.
In summary, Sokole Góry features rocks and caves scattered among beautiful forests, a place that is a paradise for speleologists and lovers of alpine climbing, where the local Jurassic outcrops serve as a base for rock climbers. The reserve is also an excellent destination for all those who wish for close contact with nature and a moment of respite in its embrace, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Author of the photos and text:
Katarzyna Krajewska
Author's website - www.fotofiszka.eu
