The fabulous beauty of the Ukrainian Carpathians is legendary, and probably everyone who wants to see with his own eyes the most beautiful places of our world includes them in his itinerary. Carpathian nature in all its splendor appears in national parks, where it is carefully protected from the outside world. One of the largest natural parks in Ukraine is the Carpathian National Nature Park, which is a must visit for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the Ukrainian Carpathians in its entirety. Here you can see mountains piercing the blue sky, mirrors of high-mountain lakes, valleys mesmerized by the riot of colors, noisy waterfalls and other unique natural objects that will leave the most vivid impressions.
The Carpathian National Nature Park was established in 1980, but long before that some of its corners began to be protected from human activity. This protected area became the very first state national nature park in the country. Today the territory of the park covers an area of 50.3 thousand hectares and stretches for 55 kilometers from north to south and 20 kilometers from west to east on the north-eastern slopes of the Ukrainian Carpathians within the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Two of the 12 forestries established on the territory of the park are reserved, unique natural landscapes, rare animals and plants, including those listed in the Red Book, are protected here.
The nature of the Carpathian National Nature Park is pure, rich and diverse. Such famous sights of the Carpathians as Mount Hoverla — the highest point of Ukraine, the only place of cedar pine — Kedrovatoe tract, the highest lake of the Carpathians — Nesamovitoe, fabulous caves and skaly Dovbusha. On the territory of the park there are many interesting natural objects — the Rudyak bog, the beautiful waterfall Priboy (Proboj) 12 m high, which is a majestic, impressive natural picture, and much, much more.
Ancient beech, fir, spruce forests, birch, pine, gray and kleikoolhovy forests also occur here. In general, the nature here is represented by various types of vegetation characteristic of the lower and upper mountain forests, as well as subalpine and alpine belts. The territory of the park stretches at an altitude of 500 to 2061 meters, and shows a variety of natural pictures from dense forests to alpine meadows, in spring blooming in a beautiful carpet of bright flowers and plants. The most picturesque panorama of the park opens from the top of Mount Hoverla, climbing which is allowed from May to November.
There are 48 hiking trails on the territory of the park, traveling which you can enjoy not only beautiful natural pictures, but also see the monuments of wooden Hutsul architecture — a total of 9 ancient churches, built in the XVI-XX centuries, have been preserved within the park. Other attractions of the Carpathian National Nature Park are mineral springs with healing water that cure many ailments. Thanks to these springs vacation in Verkhovina and other settlements located on the territory of the park has become very popular among those wishing to recover thanks to the priceless gifts of Carpathian nature.
Visiting the Carpathian National Nature Park, any guest of this amazing place remembers it for many years — unique natural beauty, healing springs, fragrant mountain air, cozy resorts and interesting attractions make it truly unforgettable.