Zaskalskie-Bodnarówka Nature Reserve

Zaskalskie-Bodnarówka Nature Reserve is a landscape protection area located in the Little Pieniny Mountains, within the Szczawnica commune in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Established in 1961, it covers about 19 hectares and includes the valley of the Skalski Stream and the forested slopes of Mount Skalskie. The reserve aims to protect the picturesque landscape, natural forest, and valuable rock and thermophilous plant communities growing on limestone rocks and steep slopes. In some places, the stream forms a deep gorge with exposed Carpathian flysch. The forest is home to the rare eagle owl. The reserve lies within the Natura 2000 site 'Little Pieniny' and serves as a buffer zone for the Poprad Landscape Park. Access starts from the center of Jaworki, but there is no official hiking trail – entry requires permission from the forest district. Along the way, you pass the remnants of the former Lemko settlement of Skalskie and a ski lift. At the forest edge, a natural rock gate is formed by Dziurawa Skała and Czerwona Skała. The path then follows the stream bed, is difficult and partly blocked by boulders. Among rare plants, the fly orchid can be found. This is a place for those seeking wild nature and tranquility, away from crowds.