Cheile Tătarului and the trails to Creasta Cocoșului give Mara two distinct nature attractions: a geologically striking gorge and a jagged ridge as a hiking destination. The Cheile Tătarului Nature Reserve is in the village of Mara, in the commune of Deseşti. It covers 15.00 hectares and is 0.7 kilometres long. If you are planning a stay in Mara, you can consider the gorge, ridge, and their respective trails as different focal points.

Gorge, slopes and ridge

Cheile Tătarului is a gorge cut into pyroxene andesite. Its slopes are markedly different: the western slope is almost vertical and rocky, with an overhang. Scree slopes and woodland characterise the terrain on the eastern slope. So within the gorge, you encounter two different landscapes—rock and overhang on one side, scree and woodland on the other.

Another natural attraction is Creasta Cocoșului. The jagged ridge is about 200 metres long and lies at an average altitude of 1,200 metres. The ridge has been protected as a nature reserve since 1954 and covers 50 hectares. This clearly distinguishes its figures from those of Cheile Tătarului: here, the focus is a ridge with its own altitude and protected area, while there, it is a gorge with its own length and area.

Hiking trails and starting points

A marked trail leads from Mara to Creasta Cocoșului. At the destination, flight instructors are available for tandem paragliding flights. If you plan this activity, check availability before setting off.

The marked Traseul 2 Cruce Albastră trail connects the western edge of Mara with Creasta Cocoșului. Along the way, it offers views of the Rodna, Țibleș and Maramureș Mountains, as well as the Maramureș Depression. Views of these landscapes depend on the weather. When choosing a trail, both the starting point on the western edge of the village and the views of the mountains and depression are therefore worth considering.

Another hiking option is the circular trail from Mara to Piatra Tisei de Mara. It passes through the Mara Valley and the Mătrăguna Valley. Access starts in the village centre, follows the road to the Runcu–Tătaru Dam, and then continues through the Mătrăguna Valley. As road conditions may change, check them before setting off.

A cultural connection to Mara

There is also a historical connection to Mara: the Maramureș Village Museum in Sighetu Marmației lists the agro-pastoral Bohotici household as originating from Mara. The household dates from the 18th century, between 1701 and 1800. This gives another way to understand the area—not only through its protected areas and hiking trails, but also through a named example of historic rural life.

Choose accommodation to suit your tour

If you are considering accommodation in Mara, it helps to first match your planned hike to its starting point. Access to the circular trail to Piatra Tisei de Mara starts in the village centre; Traseul 2 starts on the western edge of the village. These different starting locations are a practical point to consider when planning. This lets you link your search for a hotel in Mara to the tour you would like to make the focus of your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Comuna Desești.