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Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park adventures

Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park Adventures

Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park protects a pristine section of the Ukrainian Carpathians, offering extensive hiking, rich biodiversity, and a glimpse into traditional highland culture.

147,000
Acres Protected
50
Miles of Trails
30,000+
Annual Visitors
1999
Year Established

About Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park

 

Established in 1999, Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park is situated in the Eastern Beskids range of the Ukrainian Carpathians within Lviv Oblast. This park spans the Skole Beskids mountains, characterized by dense mixed and coniferous forests, deep river valleys, and picturesque karst limestone formations, including caves and ravines. The park's landscape is undisturbed and lush, providing sanctuary to a variety of flora and fauna including European brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and the endangered Carpathian chamois. Rich in endemic and rare species, the park is a critical site for biodiversity conservation. Visitors are drawn by the extensive network of hiking trails that traverse scenic ridgelines, hilltop meadows, and secret caves, including the famed Optymistychna Cave, one of the longest gypsum caves in the world located nearby. The park also preserves traditional Hutsul culture, visible in local wooden architecture and folk crafts. Opportunities abound for wildlife watching, mountain biking, educational excursions, and winter sports, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its remote yet accessible location offers a peaceful retreat from urban life, with minimal modern development ensuring an authentic wilderness experience.

Highlights

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Optymistychna Cave – the world’s longest gypsum cave near the park

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Dovbush Rocks – unique natural sandstone formations and cultural landmark

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Carpathian beech forests inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage

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Skole Beskids ridge trails offering panoramic mountain views

Notable Natural Features

Optymistychna Cave

Located just outside the park boundary, this gypsum cave system extends over 230 kilometers, making it one of the longest of its kind worldwide.

Dovbush Rocks

A group of remarkable sandstone outcroppings steeped in local legend, historically associated with Oleksa Dovbush, the Carpathian folk hero.

Ancient Beech Forests

These pristine beech forests are part of the primeval woodlands recognized by UNESCO, harboring diverse flora and fauna.