Homole Gorge

Homole Gorge is a nature reserve in the Little Pieniny Mountains, located within the town of Szczawnica, in the village of Jaworki. Established in 1963, it covers an area of 58.6 hectares and protects a picturesque rocky ravine along with Czajakowa Rock and a side part of the Koniowski Stream valley. The main purpose of the reserve is to preserve the landscape and valuable elements of both animate and inanimate nature. The gorge itself is about 800 meters long and cuts into the northern slopes of Wysokie Skałki, forming a deep canyon with steep walls reaching up to 120 meters. It is built of crinoid limestones, and the Kamionka stream flows along its bottom, creating cascades and winding between large boulders. In the past, the area was grazed and completely deforested, but after the reserve was established, it gradually became overgrown with forest dominated by spruce, beech, sycamore maple, and ash, while junipers appeared on the rocks. Many protected plant species can be found here, including martagon lily, common ivy, and stemless carline thistle, as well as rare species such as the fly orchid. Birds of prey, including the peregrine falcon and Eurasian eagle-owl, nest in the limestone walls, while the dipper and grey wagtail live near the stream. It is an excellent place for a short but intense walk amidst wild nature, open to visitors free of charge all year round.