This section of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail takes your from the Montenegrin hamlet Babino Polje to what is considered the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid and then to Plav. This lake is the highlight of the trail and luckily, I get to call it home. It is by far the one of the best places I’ve swam in my entire life. According to local legend swimming in it’s water grants good health and good luck in marriage. I am healthy, but I’m still waiting to see how the marriage part plays out.

Grab the bag that’s been breaking your back the past 40kms, lace up your damp/rank boots and get ready to try your luck with this Babino Polje to Lake Hrid Hiking Guide.

HIKE DETAILS

DISTANCE: 20km

DURATION: 7-8 hours

ELEVATION GAIN: 719m

ELEVATION LOSS: 1250m

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

NAVIGATING FROM BABINO POLJE TO LAKE HRID

The hike begins from the small mountain hamlet Babino Polje. There will be a junction in the road marked by a big map and a few trail signs. Here you will be directed by a sign for Lake Hrid. Follow the gravel road that goes up the mountain side. You can either follow this road as it winds through the forest or cut through the small walking trails. Follow this path until you reach Katun Bajrovic. Here you will be greeted by another checkpoint marked with trail signs.

Walk past the small huts and continue into the forest. From here you are only a 40 minutes hike from the lake. This is by far my favorite part of the hike. You will walk through dense pine forests scattered with lush green meadows and small streams. Continue following the trail crossing over a few streams until you get to a small pool of water on your right side. This is “little” Lake Hrid and it means that you a just a few minutes from Lake Hrid.

When you arrive at the lake, take in all the wonder. If you leave this place without a swim, no matter what time of year, you should have never came. I don’t care if you don’t have the right clothes, get naked, do whatever. Just don’t leave this place without being graced by it’s magical waters.

NAVIGATING FROM LAKE HRID TO PLAV

Once you have spent enough time at the lake and had your swim, you are now ready for the hike back to plav. You will need to hike up to the ledge of Veliki Hrid and continue on the ledge until you drop down onto Treskavica hill, past the Treskavica summer huts , and along the Treskavica river, here you will find a small road to cross in the direction on Kofiljaca

The trail leads further along the northern brim of the Kofiljaca mountain and across the Redzov dol to exit the forest at Korita. Korita is the village my mothers side of the family is from and I am very proud that this epic trail passes right through. Follow the dirt road until you hit asphalt. Here take a left and the road will lead you to my Ottoman style home town of Plav.

EXPLORE WITH ME!

For the best experience in the Accursed Mountains, this hike is a part of the specialized Peaks of The Balkans Tour I provide with Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. Adventure is what we do. These experiences have changed my life forever. I want everyone to share the joy of the mountains with me and experience the wonders of my home. BLKNMTN gives you the opportunity to explore like a local and have the adventure of a lifetime. We also provide a self-guided tour for those who want to take on the trail on their own. Click the link for more information and feel free to reach out with any questions!