November days can be unpredictable, but sometimes nature surprises you. On one such day, we set out for the Tatra Mountains – our destination was Hala Gąsienicowa with a stop at the Murowaniec mountain hut. Although it wasn’t a high-altitude expedition, with kids and autumn weather in the mix, there was no shortage of excitement and challenges.
Patchy Weather – A Classic November Combo
We headed to the mountains in the second half of November, hoping for a bit of sunshine. And we got lucky – when the sun was out, it was really warm, almost tempting us to peel off some layers. But as soon as it dipped behind the clouds, the chill set in quickly. The old rule of layering your clothes definitely proved its worth – multiple layers and an extra fleece in the backpack are essentials for such outings.
Early Start and Parking Woes
We arrived relatively early, but clearly not early enough. The parking lot at the trailhead is small, and by the time we got there, cars were already lined up along the road, causing traffic issues. If you’re planning a similar hike, I strongly recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid unnecessary stress at the start.
Taking the Black Trail – Family-Friendly and Scenic
We chose the black trail leading to the Murowaniec hut. It’s not too demanding, which makes it a good option for families with kids. Our youngest is only 4 years old – and while it was a bit tough at times, we managed just fine! The older kids were excited and full of energy, and the beautiful views along the way only added to everyone’s motivation. Autumn in the Tatras has its own magic – golden grasses, low sun, and peaceful sounds of nature all around.
Murowaniec – Crowded but Classic
When we reached the Murowaniec hut, it quickly became clear that we weren’t the only ones who thought a November hike was a good idea. There were long lines for both food and toilets, and the indoor area was packed. At that point, we were grateful for our homemade sandwiches and thermos of tea – instead of waiting, we decided to keep going.
Hala Gąsienicowa – Peace, Space, and a Perfect Break
We continued on to Hala Gąsienicowa – and it was the best decision we could have made. The space opened up, the crowds thinned, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. We found a spot to sit, unpacked our snacks, and enjoyed a small picnic. The kids were treated to some sweets for a little energy boost before the hike back. That peaceful moment, surrounded by mountains, gave us exactly what we came for – a chance to breathe and reset.
Heading Back in Headlamp Light
As the sun began to dip behind the peaks, the temperature dropped sharply. We started our return journey along the same trail, stopping again at Murowaniec – this time, the toilets were queue-free. Apparently, most hikers had started earlier than we had. By the time we were descending, darkness had set in – thankfully, we brought headlamps, which came in very handy. The kids were tired but happy, and we ended the day full of stories and smiles.
A Few Practical Tips to Wrap Up
- Layer up! Weather changes fast in the mountains, especially in autumn.
- Arrive early – parking is limited and fills up quickly.
- Headlamps are a must – even short hikes can end after sunset this time of year.
- Bring your own snacks – it saves time and keeps everyone happy, especially the little ones.
This November trip was yet another reminder that adventure doesn’t need to wait for summer. The mountains are beautiful year-round – you just need to be a bit more prepared. And the memories? They’ll last for a long time.
See you on the trail!
Have you ever visited Hala Gąsienicowa in the fall? Share your stories in the comments – I’d love to hear about your adventures!