Travel to Montenegro
Maglić to Pivska planina via Piva Canyon
Hiking trail

Maglić to Pivska planina via Piva Canyon

Multi-day hiking tour from Maglić to Pivska planina through Piva Canyon, 23.1 km long.

Length
23.1 km
ascent
1,562 m
time
2–3 days
Difficulty
Expert
Overview

A very demanding multi-day one-way hiking tour, 23.1 km long; total ascent is 1,562 m and total descent is 1,774 m. It leads from Maglić past viewpoints, springs and shelters to Pivska planina; the highest point is at 2,142 m a.s.l.

The tour begins near Trnovačko jezero, and right at the start there is a mountain hut/cabin at 1,535 m a.s.l. The first section leads past viewpoints and springs, including the Carev Do viewpoint at 2,134 m a.s.l. and the highest point of the tour at 2,142 m a.s.l.

After the mountain section, the trail descends toward Piva Canyon and further toward Pivska planina. Along the route there is a shelter called "Cave for tents" at 1,713 m a.s.l., a tent campsite at 1,898 m a.s.l., and several fountains and springs at various altitudes.

The surface is mixed: 48% asphalt/concrete and 48% dirt/forest trail. Due to its length of 23.1 km, total ascent of 1,562 m and descent of 1,774 m, the tour is very demanding and intended for experienced hikers. The trail is marked with red-and-white hiking markers. The estimated walking time without breaks is 11 hours and 40 minutes, so it should be planned as a multi-day one-way tour.

Expert

What this difficulty means

Very long or alpine terrain where hands may be needed, with few ways out. Only for experienced mountaineers in stable weather.

Mountain hiking grade SAC T2 (scale T1–T6).

Route map

Map and elevation profile

Move along the profile to follow the route on the map; switch on 3D for the terrain.

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Elevation profile

↑ 1,562 m · ↓ 1,774 m · highest point 2,142 m

Along the way

  1. 2.3 kmCarev DoViewpoint · 2,134 m
  2. 3.9 kmFlat spot for a 2person tentCampsite · 1,898 m
  3. 5.0 kmCave for tentsShelter · 1,713 m
  4. 8.1 kmSpringDrinking water · 1,072 m
On the trail

What you will see

Trnovačko jezero

The closest landmark to the trailhead, approximately 0.3 km from the starting point; a natural starting point for the tour.

Carev Do Viewpoint

Located at 2,134 m a.s.l., approximately 2.3 km from the start; it opens up views of the surrounding mountain terrain.

Mountain Hut / Cabin

Only 0.1 km from the start, at 1,535 m a.s.l.; a useful spot for preparation or accommodation.

Shelter and Campsite Along the Trail

A shelter at 1,713 m a.s.l. (5.0 km) and a tent campsite at 1,898 m a.s.l. (3.9 km) make multi-day hiking possible.

Springs and Fountains

There are several springs and fountains along the trail, including a fountain at 1,072 m a.s.l. and a spring at 786 m a.s.l.

Before you go

Plan the day

Wear high hiking boots and layered clothing; the terrain is mixed and demanding.

Although there are springs and fountains along the trail, carry enough water for the initial ascent and check whether the springs are active.

Set off early in the morning and plan the tour as a multi-day trip, with an overnight stay at the shelter or campsite.

Check the weather forecast; above 2,000 m sudden weather changes are possible.

Carry a map or GPS, even though the trail is marked with red-and-white hiking markers.

Safety

At altitudes of up to 2,142 m a.s.l., rapid weather changes, fog and thunderstorms are possible. Carry a mobile phone, a map or GPS, and in case of an emergency call 112.

Emergency number in Montenegro: 112.

Good to know

  • Best season

    The best period for this tour is from late spring to early autumn, when the high-altitude trails are generally passable. Snow may linger on the highest sections until July, so check conditions before setting out.

  • Getting there

    The trailhead is located approximately 0.3 km from Trnovačko jezero. Before departing, check access and parking in that area.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The trail is 23.1 km long and runs in one direction.

The estimated walking time without breaks is 11 hours and 40 minutes; due to its length, multi-day planning is recommended.

The trail is very demanding and intended for experienced hikers; according to the SAC scale, it carries the rating T2.

Yes, the trail is marked with red-and-white hiking markers.

Nearby

More trails nearby

All trails

Map and data sources

Times and grades are estimates. Conditions change: check the weather and local information before you set out.

  • Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database License (ODbL). View on OpenStreetMap · Download all routes (GeoJSON, ODbL)
  • Elevation produced using Copernicus WorldDEM-30 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018 provided under COPERNICUS by the European Union and ESA; all rights reserved.
  • Map: OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles, data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Terrain: Copernicus DEM GLO-30/GLO-90 — produced using Copernicus WorldDEM-30 and WorldDEM-90 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018 provided under COPERNICUS by the European Union and ESA; all rights reserved.

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