Category: Outdoor Tips

You always need to document and plan a route wherever in this world the mountain is. In doing this you need to take into account a lot of factors which are generally applicable, on any mountain, but also the local factors, such us legislation, climbing culture, local systems, local weather patterns, etc. Here is some basic information you need to take into account when you plan an outdoor hike in the Romanian Carpathians: Where I am allowed to hike and on which trails? Are there any restrictions? In Romanian Carpathians, with some notorious exceptions (like in parks where, in some case, you may be fined), you may wander on any direction of your choosing, with or without a visible trail. Nobody will tell you not to go. Thus being said, when going to the mountains everyone talks, given the level of experience, about going on marcate (marked trails) or nemarcate (unmarked) routes. Marked routes are the ones where you follow a sign for orientation and usually there is already a well-defined trail. Unmarked routes designate all the other paths you may take on the mountain and lack a sign for orientation. Be careful though with these ones: usually they are more difficult and/or they lack a well-defined trail so it is harder to orientate yourself and easier to get lost. All the marked routes should be indicated on a mountain map. Orientation while on the route In Romania is used a system of combinations between colors and geometrical shapes. Thus, during your hikes you will find 12 different signs which are the results of the combinations between red, blue and yellow colors (with a white outer edge) and vertical stripes, triangles and circles. Generally the red stripe stands for main ridge sections of the mountains the other marking connecting routes.