Located south and east of the city of Petrosani, the Parang Mountains form the eastern barrier of the Jiu Valley (a vast plateau 100 km long from East to West and 70-80 wide from North to south). They are the highest mountains in the area, second within Romania only to the Fagaras Mountains to the east. Parangul Mare (Parang Peak), at 2519 m offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding areas - and even the Danube on a clear day in the summer.
The Parang Mountains also boast over 22 major glacier lakes and over 20 smaller lakes and ponds. and a well-developed network of marked trails. Of special mention are the following glacier lakes:
- Calcesu - (3.02 ha, 9.3 m deep, 1935 m altitude)
- Rosiile or Taul Fara Fund - (Bottomless Lake- 3.76 ha, 17.6 m deep, 1978 m altitude)
- Carja Lake
- Mija, Custura, The Green Lake, etc.
(See Itinerary #3 under "Itineraries)
There are two main approaches to the interior of the Parang Mountains. The first is via the Parang Telescaun (Chairlift). To reach the chairlift, in Petrosani on Route 66, turn south on Closca Street and continue straight on Zorilor and gen. V. Milea. The telescaun is situated approximately 5 km up this road. The trail to Parang Peak starts at the top of the lift. Another approach to the Parang Mountains is at Cabana Groapa Seaca, located 18 km from Petrosani on Route 7A. Take the same road to the Parang chairlift for about 4 km, turn left on Route 7A (Highway to Voineasa).
Still in the Parang Mountains is situated the Woman's Cave, a natural monument, as well as a geological and botanical reservation from around the Calcescu lake.
Parang is the origin of the Lotru River, collecting waters from the Calcescu and Iezer creeks. The Lotru flows towards Brezoi and empties into the Olt River. The area is also the origin of the Jietul River, which has created the gorges bearing the same name along 5.5 km distance. Other rivers and creeks empty into the Jietul river, originating spectacular waterfalls.
These mountains have some favorable slopes for skiing, including one of same difficulty. There are three slopes in the Parang Mountains, which are quite similar to those from the Prahova Valley.
These slopes are:
- "B" SLOPE - situated on the western side of the Parangul Mare Peak, and having the shape of the letter B. It is considered a highly difficult slope and is used for contests by advanced skiers, and is provided with a ski lift. The slope which is 3 km long and 800 m high is serviced by a ski lift.
- SLIMA SLOPE - situated in sunny and windless area, is 4 km long and is provided with a ski lift.
- "V" SLOPE- descends from the Parangul Mare Peak to the crossroad with Slima splope along 2 km.
The two main tourist lodges in Parang are "La Rascruce" and "Rusu". The lodges are state-owned and supervised by the Autonomous Administration of Pitcoal. They provide common accomodation and boarding for visitors to Parang Mountains.
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Parang Mountains Region
