Jánošíkove diery in autumn: route, weather and practical tips

Jánošíkove diery is a system of gorges cut by the Dierový stream in the Rozsutce national nature reserve. It has three parts, Dolné, Nové and Horné diery (the Lower, New and Upper gorges), with more than twenty waterfalls between them. In autumn you walk them differently than in summer: fewer people, more water after rain, wet timber and a day that ends sooner in October than you expect.

Which loop to choose

The small loop is the right choice for most visitors. It runs from Biely Potok on the blue trail to Ostrvné, on the yellow trail up through Nové diery to Podžiar and on the green trail back down through Dolné diery. It is 5 km with 210 m of ascent and takes about three hours including breaks.

The big loop adds Horné diery and climbs all the way to the Medzirozsutce saddle. It is 12 km with 768 m of ascent and takes about five hours. In October, set off in the morning at the latest, or you will be on the last ladders at dusk.

The nature trail from Štefanová is a shorter option for families: about three kilometres, 185 m of ascent and ten boards about the area's nature. You will find more autumn routes in our overview of seven autumn hikes.

Nové diery goes one way: up

The Nové diery section from Ostrvné to Podžiar is one way. You walk it against the flow of the stream, from the bottom up. That is why the small loop goes in this order: up through Nové diery first, then down through Dolné diery. If you arrive from the other side, choose another way.

Weather: what changes most in autumn

After heavy rain the stream rises, the footbridges are wet and, according to the local tourist portal, the upper parts of the gorges can become hard to pass. In autumn, fallen leaves stick to the wooden footbridges and are more slippery than the timber itself. With the first frosts, the metal rungs can be icy in the morning. If it rained hard overnight, swap the gorges for a shorter route and go a day later.

Parking and where to start

Both loops start in Biely Potok, where there is a public paid car park in front of Hotel Diery. Entry to the gorges themselves is free. From Štefanová, which also has a paid car park, you can reach the gorges on the nature trail. An early start saves you waiting at the ladders.

What to pack for the gorges

• shoes with a deep tread, as trainers slip on wet metal,
• thin gloves for the ladders and chains,
• a small backpack, so your hands are free on the ladders,
• a windproof jacket, as the gorge is colder than the sunny valley,
• a head torch if you walk the big loop in October.

After the hike

From Biely Potok it is just under six kilometres to Chata Ranto in Nižné Kamence. Wet gear can be hung up on the covered terrace, and the rest of the evening belongs to the fireplace in the living room. For ideas for the rest of your autumn stay, see Terchová in autumn.