From Podbanské to Kmeť’s Waterfall

Podbanské – Kmeť Waterfall

Popradské pleso

80 m

The Height of Kmeť Waterfall—the Highest in Slovakia

18.8 km

Total length of the route (round trip from Podbanské)

6 hours

Estimated walking time

A leisurely hike through the Kôprová Valley leads to a majestic waterfall hidden in the shadow of Kriváň

The hike from Podbanské to Kmeťov Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and least technically demanding trails in the western part of the High Tatras. It leads through the picturesque Kôprová Valley along a paved asphalt and forest road, lined by the Kôprovský Stream. Thanks to its gentle incline and paved surface, the trail is extremely popular with families with children, recreational hikers, and cyclists.

The destination of the hike is Kmeťov Waterfall on the Nefcerský Stream, which, at a height of approximately 80 meters, is considered the highest waterfall in all of Slovakia. From the trail junction below Grúnik, a short detour along a forest path leads to a wooden observation deck, offering an impressive view of the roaring cascades plunging between rocks and trees.

The trail is open year-round (except for seasonal closures at higher elevations)

Suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers

What We Offer

An easy trail suitable for families with children and seniors

The option to ride the route on a mountain bike or an e-bike

A wooden observation deck directly below the waterfall

A pleasant break by the Kôprovský Stream with views of Kriváň

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What do you need to know before you arrive?

The starting point of the route is at the Podbanské crossroads (near the Permon Hotel)

Comfortable hiking or athletic shoes are recommended

Most of the route follows a paved road (Bicycle Route No. 2862)

The final stretch to the lookout point is a forest trail with tree roots and rocks

Free admission to the trail itself and the lookout point

Parking is available at the park-and-ride lots in Podbanské

Walking a dog on a leash is permitted in the Kôprová Valley

There are no mountain huts along the route, so be sure to bring your own snacks

Please read this before your visit

Route Profile and Difficulty

The route follows the blue and yellow hiking trails from Podbanské. The elevation gain is minimal (approximately 280 meters spread over 7 km one way). The entire section through the valley is easy and straightforward; the only slightly more challenging part is the short hike up a forest trail from the fork in the trail to the lookout point.

Nature Conservation and TANAP Regulations

Kmeťov Waterfall is located at the mouth of the Nefcerka Valley, which is a strictly protected national nature reserve with the highest level of protection. Venturing outside the marked hiking trail and viewing platform is strictly prohibited.

Combined with cycling

Kôprová Valley is a great choice for a bike ride. You can easily ride your bike all the way to the fork in the road below Grúnik (where you can leave your bike) and from there continue on foot to the lookout point—it’s about a 5- to 10-minute walk.

A leisurely ride with a gentle incline and a paved surface

The route follows mostly an easy, paved forest road with a very gentle, gradual ascent through the Kôprová Valley. From Podbanské (from the fork near the Permon Hotel), the route begins along the blue trail marker, following the course of the Kôprovský Stream. After an easy stretch, it passes through the Rázcestie pod Grúnikom junction and from there continues along a forest trail directly to the observation deck below Kmeť Waterfall.

The elevation difference between Podbanské and Kmeť Waterfall is approximately 305 meters spread over a 7-kilometer one-way route. The trail does not include exposed sections, chains, or challenging rocky terrain. Most of the trail is also suitable for mountain bikes and strollers; the final short section consists of a forest trail with rocks and tree roots.

Trail Markings

Blue trail
Podbanské – Ústie Kôprovej doliny – Nad Bytom – Rázcestie pod Grúnikom

Yellow / Educational Trail Branch
, Crossroads below Grúnik – Kmeť Waterfall (viewpoint)

Landmarks along the route

Podbanské (crossroads) – approximately 940 m above sea level

Mouth of the Kôprová Valley – 955 m above sea level

Nad Bytom (bridge over the Kôprovský Stream) – 995 m above sea level

Crossroads below Grúnik – approximately 1,120 m above sea level

Kmeť Waterfall (viewing platform) – approximately 1,245 m above sea level

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