The ascent of Veľký Choč is one of the most interesting, but more demanding, routes in the region. It is especially sought-after because of the beautiful panoramic views from its peak.
The route is located in the Choč Mountains, and Veľký Choč is the highest peak. The route passes through the Choč Mountains Special Protection Area and the Choč National Nature Reserve. While in the forest, please try not to disturb its inhabitants and damage anything. Do not pick anything and do not leave anything behind. The Ružomberok Information Centre offers collectors Veľký Choč, Lúčanský vodopád waterfall, Kúpele Lúčky spa and Lúčanské travertíny travertines tourist stickers. Lúčanský vodopád waterfall magnets are also available.
The route is one of the more demanding ones, mainly due to the large elevation gain over short sections. The terrain is diverse, from muddy sections and rocky parts through forest paths to an asphalt road. Some of the more difficult parts are made safer with steel chains, and in some places you need to use your hands to hold on to trees, rocks or dwarf mountain pines.
The route begins in Valaská Dubová at the tourist signpost next to the “Valaská Dubová, OcÚ” bus stop. Follow the blue trail leading past the wood carving of the bandit up the hill between the houses, and turn towards the rock cliff behind the municipality when the road forks. Continue along the paved road between the trees and bushes to the meadow. Below the forest there is an educational panel about the “Les” (forest) and to the right of it there is a shelter with seating. The route becomes steeper after entering the forest. After a short climb, we reach a shelter with seating and a well with water. Here the surface changes to gravel and sometimes rock, and we reach a sort of rock gate consisting of rocks on both sides of the trail, from where the slope gets even steeper. The path continues straight up the steep slope to the educational panel about “Fauna”. The route levels off a bit here, then gets steeper again until it leads us to meadows where there is an educational panel about “Flora”. Another important point on the route is the “Stredná Poľana” signpost, from where you can enjoy the views. Now follow the green trail along the edge of the mountain meadow, then turn right onto the summer route. Along the forest trail, we gain the elevation needed to reach the top. We then come out of the forest onto the sloping meadows, which take us to a dwarf mountain pine forest. The trail through the dwarf pines is short but rocky and gravelly. Not far from the top, our trail connects with the red trail, so continue along this to the top and beyond. A tourist signpost sticking out under a rock welcomes us to the peak of Veľký Choč. However, continue a few more metres to the right to the actual peak, where there is a viewing point that helps us identify the surrounding hills and an ascent log in which we can enter some information. The reward for completing the ascent is a beautiful panoramic view in all directions. Veľká Fatra, Malá Fatra, Chočské vrchy, Nízke Tatry, Západné Tatry, Vysoké Tatry, Oravská Magura, Orava, Liptov and much more can be seen from the peak if we are lucky to get good weather.
By car: Parking in the municipality is only possible in the paid parking lot at the local cemetery.
By taxi: A taxi from the city centre to the start of the route will cost you around €10.
The route is also accessible by bus, with a suburban bus from Ružomberok taking you to the starting point. Take the bus from the Ružomberok bus station to the “Valaská Dubová, OcÚ” bus stop.
Safety: There are several steep climbs / descents on the route, and these can be slippery in both wet and dry conditions. Some sections in the forest pass through muddy terrain. The steeper and more difficult parts of the route are made safer with a chain. The viewpoints at the top are not secured in any way. A large part of the route leads along rocky and craggy paths with a consequent risk of ankle sprains. We thus recommend taking trekking poles and good non-slip shoes. The route is not suitable for children under 10 years old, or for people with reduced mobility.
(Náhľad mapy: hiking.sk)