Looking for a quick trail in the Beskid Wyspowy without the heavy crowds that usually flood Mogielica or Ćwilin? The Ciecień massif (829 m a.s.l.) is a great alternative. Due to time constraints, we did an out-and-back hike using the same trail. The entire trip clocked in at just under 6 km of walking, with an elevation gain of around 250 meters. It’s a relaxed trek that takes about 2 hours.
Logistics: The Drive and the Forest Parking Lot
The drive to the starting point is an attraction in itself—you travel down a narrow but highly scenic road. We left the car in a forest parking lot located at the mountain pass. There is plenty of space, and on a weekend, there were only a few cars parked, so you don’t have to worry about crowds.
Right after heading uphill from the parking lot, it’s worth stopping for a moment on the left side. There is a distinctive, wooden forest cabin built for bats. It’s a cool, educational feature right at the start of the trail.
Important note for families: The path starts climbing immediately. While the trail isn’t technically challenging and the ascents are gentle—meaning the kids finished the whole hike without complaining and didn’t get tired at all—the terrain is typical for a forest. Because of the rocks and roots, you won’t be able to push a stroller here. A baby carrier or sling is the only option for toddlers, but older kids will easily manage on their own feet.
The Trail to the Summit and the Cabin on the Meadow
Our route looked like this:
- From the parking lot, we took the yellow trail towards Księża Góra (649 m a.s.l.).
- Then, we switched to the blue trail, which led us straight onto the ridge and up to the summit of Ciecień itself.
The actual peak of Ciecień is completely forested, so if you stop right by the summit marker, you won’t see any views. You need to keep going a bit further.
Walking just past the summit along the blue trail brings you to a cabin where you can get a bite to eat and rest. However, the best part is right next to it. You come out onto a massive sub-summit meadow that serves as an official launch site for paragliders.
Paragliders and Goła Góra
This meadow is the absolute highlight of the trip. Due to the very steep western slope, it’s a perfect spot for flying. You can sit here for hours just watching the whole process: from unfolding the wings and checking the wind to the actual moment of takeoff. The views from here are brilliant—you get a clear view of the Wiśniowa Valley, the Lubomir and Łysiny range, and on a clear day, you can even spot Babia Góra.
Since we had a bit of time left, we walked a little further along the ridge towards Goła Góra. However, time was ticking, so we decided not to continue towards Grodzisko. We turned around and headed back to the car using the same route.
A Few Quick Facts About Ciecień
Geologically speaking, Ciecień is a bit of an outlier in the Beskid Wyspowy. While most of the surrounding peaks are standalone “islands” made of Magura sandstone, the Ciecień massif forms a long, longitudinal ridge built from Silesian nappe formations. Older history states that these forests were a favorite hunting ground for King Władysław I the Elbow-high, while more recent history notes that Home Army (AK) partisans were stationed here during World War II.
Overall, it’s a short, solid trail with an amazing vantage point on the meadow. It’s well worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the mountains.
