Mara between the gorge and mountain trails

Mara, in Desești commune, combines a striking gorge with trails leading to two different destinations. The marked Traseul 2 Cruce Albastră trail leads to Creasta Cocoșului; a circular route from Mara to Piatra Tisei de Mara passes through two valleys. The landscape features of each help you distinguish between the destinations for your trip. Mara also has a cultural and historical connection to a household from the village that is recorded at the Maramureș Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației.

The Cheile Tătarului Gorge

The Cheile Tătarului nature reserve is located in Desești commune, in the village of Mara. It covers 15.00 hectares and is 0.7 kilometres long. The gorge is cut into pyroxene andesite. This term refers to the rock into which the gorge is cut.

The slopes also differ markedly: the western slope is almost vertical and rocky, with an overhang. The eastern slope has scree slopes and forested areas. Thus, the two sides of the gorge contrast rock formations with forested areas shaped by scree.

Trails to Creasta Cocoșului

The marked Traseul 2 Cruce Albastră trail connects the western edge of Mara with Creasta Cocoșului. Along the way, it offers views of the Rodna, Țibleș, and Maramureș Mountains, as well as the Maramureș Depression. How clearly the views can be seen depends on the weather.

Creasta Cocoșului is a jagged mountain ridge about 200 metres long, at an average elevation of 1,200 metres. It has been protected as a 50-hectare nature reserve since 1954. Tandem paragliding flights are available there with instructors; check their availability before you set off.

Circular route to Piatra Tisei de Mara

Another destination is Piatra Tisei de Mara. The circular route from Mara passes through the Mara Valley and the Mătrăguna Valley. From the centre of the village, it is accessible via the road to the Runcu–Tătaru Dam and then through the Mătrăguna Valley. If you plan to use this access route, it is advisable to check the current condition of the road before you set off.

The routes described differ in their destinations and landscapes: Creasta Cocoșului features a jagged mountain ridge and views of mountains and the depression; the circular route to Piatra Tisei de Mara passes through two named valleys. These features give you a specific point of reference when choosing your destination for an outing.

Cultural and historical connection to Mara

The Maramureș Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației lists the Bohotici agro-pastoral household as originating from Mara. It is dated to the 18th century, more specifically to the years 1701 to 1800. “Agro-pastoral” refers to the combination of agriculture and livestock raising. Alongside the landscape destinations, this provides a connection to a specifically identified rural way of life associated with Mara.

For the broader travel overview: Desești Commune.