The Mlynická valley opens directly behind the ski jumps, and within half an hour of leaving the resort you are in a different world: dwarf pine, granite slabs and the pointed peaks of the Solisko and Bašty ridges on either side.
The usual goal is Vodopád Skok, where the Mlynica stream drops about 25 metres over a rock step at roughly 1,700–1,800 m. It is fullest during the snowmelt in May and June and after rain.
What to see and do: Skok Waterfall & Mlynická Valley
Hike to the waterfall
The yellow trail starts at the ski stadium, climbs through forest and then follows the valley floor. Allow about 1½ hours up and a little over an hour down for roughly 4 km each way and 400 m of ascent. The path is stony but not exposed.
Continue to Pleso nad Skokom
A short secured section with chains climbs the rock step beside the waterfall to a tarn at about 1,800 m. This is the limit of the winter-open trail and a fine turnaround point in summer.
Go on to Bystrá lávka
Strong hikers continue past Capie pleso (about 2,075 m) to the pass of Bystrá lávka at around 2,300 m and descend the Furkotská valley. The full loop takes 7–8 hours and is walked in this direction — up Mlynická, down Furkotská.
How to get to Skok Waterfall & Mlynická Valley
- Walk from the lake to the ski stadium (15 minutes) and pick up the yellow marks behind the jumps.
- No transport is needed; the trail starts and ends in the resort.
Insider tips
- The trail is open all year as far as the waterfall, but in winter the upper valley is avalanche terrain — check the avalanche bulletin and turn back if in doubt.
- Morning light is best on the waterfall; by afternoon it is in shadow.
- Marmots whistle from the boulder fields above the forest line — listen for them.
Tours that fit: Skok Waterfall & Mlynická Valley
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Skok Waterfall & Mlynická Valley:
Guided wildlife hike from €240 High Tatras: Bear-Watching Hiking Tour
The one experience here that is a real mountain day rather than a sightseeing drive: a guided hike into bear country with someone who knows where the animals feed. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but the tracking, the valleys and the guide’s knowledge make the day.
- Hike with a local wildlife guide
- Look for brown bears, chamois and marmots
- Small group, quiet valleys
Day trip from €80 From Zakopane: Treetop Walk and Štrbské Pleso Trip
The best-value way to see the lake if you are staying on the Polish side. A driver takes you over the border to the Bachledka treetop walk above Ždiar and then on to Štrbské Pleso, with time to walk the lakeshore before the drive back to Zakopane.
- Cross the border to the Slovak side of the Tatras
- Bachledka treetop walk with its viewing tower
- Free time to walk the loop around Štrbské pleso
