Paklenica National Park
Croatia

On the coast of Croatia, near the town of Zadar, the limestone carst that forms the spine of the mountain range is cut by two deep chasms, Velika Paklenica and Mara Paklenica, (literally big and little Paklenica). This areas is a natioanl park and a magnet for rock climbers. We managed to visit at a tiin season. At the time we visited, it was too hot to do much climbing or hiking. The stream that normally runs through the park was dried up. Nevertheless, the rock faces are magnificent.

The closest town is Stari Grad, (Literally 'Old Town', and just about every town has a section known as 'Stari Grad', and Hvar Island has a Stari Grad, so this one is often called 'Paklenica Stari Grad' to avoid confusion). It is a wide spot in the road about 2 and a half kilometers outside the park entrance.

The approach to the park. If you don't bring your car, you have to walk in.

Although the stream at the bottom of the canyon was dry, there were a couple of places where there were springs of clear, clean, cold water.

The path at the bottom of canyon is wide, and well maintained.

View up the east wall of the canyon

Australian hiker

Part of the trail runs along a tree-lined horizontal stretch.

Germans were the most prevalent rock climbers, and they bring the whole family

At one of the springs, these butterflies congregated.

The walk to Mara Paklenica is more like 6 kilometers. I got about as far as this stone wall before I turned back.

East wall, where the yearly international free climbining contest is held.