Vârciorog Waterfall

Vârciorog Waterfall is located on the upper course of the Vârciorog stream, a tributary of the Arieșul Mare, within the boundaries of Arieșeni commune, Alba County, at an altitude of 1,090 m. The waterfall has a height of 15 m, dropping in a single leap over a rocky escarpment, at the base of which the water has carved a deep hollow over time. The Vârciorog stream descends noisily through a dense forest of fir and spruce trees, and the sound of the waterfall can be heard from a distance along the trail. The waterfall and its surrounding buffer zone were declared a protected natural reserve under Law no. 5 of 2000, with a total area of 5 ha. Near the waterfall there is an old abandoned mine gallery and a small cave. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes, forming spectacular ice structures. Access is via DN75, at 2.5 km from the centre of Arieșeni commune towards Vârtop, from where a forest road of 3.5 km (marked with a yellow dot) leads to the waterfall. It is well worth a visit for its wild natural setting, the conifer forest, and its position at the foot of Vârful Piatra Grăitoare, from where trails continue towards the summit.