Piatra Mâțeștilor

Issues: · On certain sections, the road is less visible; · There are two sections where you need to push the bike;

Highlights: · Visit to the Mălăiești fortress; · Stunning panorama of the Hațeg depression; · Visit to the Paroș church and cemetery with old tombstones featuring archaic orthography; · Traditional villages with old houses and stone fences.

Start from Sălașul de Sus towards Mălăiești on the paved road. Upon reaching Mălăiești, take a left onto the first lane and follow signs to the Mălăiești fortress. From the fortress, continue south uphill on numerous animal trails until you encounter a densely grassy dirt road. Here, you should see the road climbing steeply on the left hillside. Descend into the valley, cross the ford, and begin a steep ascent on a road that becomes progressively steeper. Soon you will need to get off your bike and walk the steepest section, which is no more than 200 meters long. Once at the top, you will meet another, more distinct road that gently climbs south. Follow this road to an intersection with a forest road; about 200 meters higher is a private cabin. Turn right and continue gently uphill on the forest road, pass the cabin, and proceed until you cross the river. At the first right curve, take a left on a secondary road. Continue on this gentle ascent until you reach a stream, which you cross via ford. From here, the road transforms into a steep TAF trail. A rather steep climb follows, which you will mostly have to walk alongside your bike. After approximately 500 meters of tough climbing, a path appears on the left leading to a clearing with a hunting pavilion. Once inside the clearing, turn right along the forest edge until you reach a dirt path that continues gently uphill for several hundred meters before starting to descend. From this point, you will descend continuously to Coroiești. Before the village, you will encounter two more intersections; the first with a road on the right that ascends, the second also with a road on the right that descends, and a third with the main road leading into the village. Once on the main road, simply follow it to the entrance where you will find a gate, and on the other side a traffic sign marked DF Valea Râului Alb. Less than 100 meters past the village entrance, you will find a still operational water wheel on the right side of the road. Enter the village and follow the main street until you reach asphalt. Don't rush to continue; stroll through the village's lanes and discover the beautiful old houses and ancient stone fences. From Coroiești, follow road signs to Paroș. Here you can visit the historic church and especially the cemetery with old tombstones in old Romanian orthography. After the visit, follow the road descending beside the church until you meet asphalt again. From here, to reach Zăvoi, just keep left at the only important intersection you will encounter. Once in Zăvoi, follow signs towards Sălașu de Sus.