At about 100 m tall, Horses' Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Romania and the main easy-hike destination near Borșa. It sits in the Piatra Rea Nature Reserve, within Rodnei Mountains National Park, formed in a glacial cirque below the Pietrosul Rodnei and Piatra Albă peaks.
How to Get There
The trailhead is at the end of Strada Cascadei in the Borșa Tourist Complex, about 3 km from the resort. The trail is marked with a red triangle and climbs alongside the Fântâna stream through dense forest up to the base of the waterfall. A good stretch of the climb can also be covered by the resort's cable car, which shortens the ascent for anyone who doesn't want to hike the whole way.
The Hike
On foot, from the parking area at the end of Strada Cascadei, the climb takes around an hour and a half. It's an easy-to-moderate trail, accessible to children with reasonable fitness, with no technical or exposed sections. In winter, the stretch between the waterfall and Poiana Știol can become impassable due to ice and snow, so check trail conditions before setting out in the cold season.
What to Bring
- Shoes with good grip — the path can be damp and slippery near the stream and close to the waterfall.
- A waterproof layer or a change of clothes — spray from the waterfall soaks the area nearby, especially in wind.
- Water and a snack — there are no food stops along the trail outside the resort itself.
- A camera or charged phone — the view from the base of the waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in the Rodnei Mountains.
Best Season
Spring and early summer bring the waterfall's highest flow, fed by mountain snowmelt. Summer and autumn offer the most reliable hiking conditions, with a dry, accessible trail throughout. For a full seasonal breakdown of the area, see our season-by-season guide.
Beyond the Waterfall
For a longer hike, the trail continues past the waterfall toward Poiana Runcu Știolului and Șaua Știol, from where you can push on toward Pasul Prislop or the main ridge of the Rodnei Mountains. These stretches call for more mountain experience and proper gear — see our Pietrosul Rodnei hiking guide for high-altitude trails in the same massif.
Horses' Waterfall is just one of the attractions around Borșa — see our experiences page for the rest, or our accommodation guide for properties close to the resort.