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The canopy walkway is not accessible until the renovation is completePhoto: Vörös Attila, Hungarian Hiking Association
Special cultural-historical excitement awaits near Hetvehely, at the border of Mecsek and Zselic in the valley of the Sás stream flowing into the Mecsek. We start our route on a rarely frequented, wild nature trail lined with atmospheric springs, information boards, and forest playgrounds. At the turning point of the route stands a canopy trail, and we can even learn about the history of the toilets!
The tourism developments of the perhaps less known Sás Valley in the Western Mecsek started after the millennium, when the Cigány-forrás, the memorial of the former Gypsy settlement, and the Forest House (the accommodation and educational base of Mecsekerdő Zrt.'s Mókus Suli Forestry School) were built. The latter received the eco-house certification in 2014. The canopy trail was inaugurated in 2017, the first such structure in Southern Transdanubia. Unfortunately, its condition has deteriorated since then, so it has been closed, but the interesting structure is worth seeing from below.
Forest hiding treasures
The 'Forest hiding treasures' nature trail runs along the southern side of the valley, which we also follow on this route. The trail passes through sometimes dense forest level ground, crossing watercourses typical of the Mecsek's wild valleys that feed the Sás Valley stream and Petőczi ditch. A few tens of meters further, we reach a more open area – such sections alternate in the first half of the route. Although short, our route offers a very varied cross-section of the Mecsek forests. We sometimes slow down due to the rich undergrowth, and the markings can occasionally be difficult to follow on slightly neglected hiking paths.
Besides the canopy walkway at the Forest House, there are other attractions. Several info boards describe sewage treatment and, perhaps even more interestingly, the history of toilets. To demonstrate this, three classic outdoor toilets with appropriate instructions were installed in a wooden building harmonizing with the environment: for use, sprinkle two handfuls of wood chips! The operator also provides wood chips – though during our visit all storages were unfortunately empty.
Interesting also for children
Our easy loop suitable even for children goes along the valley side towards the Forest House on the nature trail, then returns on the forestry road to the border of Hetvehely at the parking lot or railway station. But there are still two attractions here: the Gypsy settlement and memorials of the completely vanished village of Erszék. The route contains cultural and historical curiosities and offers a taste of the wilderness of the Mecsek.
The detailed description of the route can be read under the Route Description menu.
Author’s recommendation
- Along the route, the only water source for drinking is the variable flow Cigány-forrás spring, so it is advisable to be equipped accordingly with fluids.
- As the route also leads on rarely frequented hiking paths, there may be very overgrown and tree-fallen obstructed sections.
- The arched design of the stream bridge at Cigány-forrás can be slippery even in dry weather.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- The canopy trail is closed in summer 2024!
Roadbook
Itinerary
- Start from the parking lot on the path marked with P◼ towards the railway station.
- Here, at the wooden sign, turn left towards the Cigány-forrás, then walk on the unmarked nature trail section to the Cigány-forrás.
- From the spring, follow the P● marking uphill to the junction.
- At the junction, turn left onto the P↺ marking and follow it to the next junction.
- Turn right onto the hiking trail marked P+, following it to the junction after the forest playground.
- Turn left onto the K◼ marked path leading to the Forest House.
- To reach the canopy walkway, turn right on the S↺ marking (then we walk back).
- Return to the parking lot by following the forestry road marked P◼.
Detailed description of the route
The former Gypsy settlement
Arriving at the entrance of the Sás Valley, the wooden signs of Mecsekerdő show the right direction, but following the P◼ marking is also effective. If arriving by car, proceed to the developed parking lot, established near the Gypsy memorial. The now vanished Gypsy settlement formed in the 1950s from the shacks of Gypsy families who chose to settle along the forestry road. The men found work at the forestry and nearby mines, and their financial conditions improved over time. With considerable help from the people of Hetvehely, by 1990 all families could move into proper houses in Hetvehely, leading to the dissolution of the settlement. A memorial pole and a wheel monument now stand in its place.
From here, walk back a bit to the wooden sign saying Cigány-forrás. The nature trail itself branches off the paved road 100 meters earlier, but do not follow it as it adds nothing to our route and would skip two info boards and the pine forest!
Turning from the paved road onto the unmarked path, we enter a dense, atmospheric pine forest, then soon reach a stream crossed by an arched wooden bridge. Move very carefully on it, as it can be slippery even in dry weather! On the other side of the stream, there is a resting area and the Cigány-forrás, accessible via some built stairs. With a flow rate of 1/4–6 liters per minute, it is worth filling up water here, as there will be no chance later. The natural stone setting of the spring was built in 2000 by Hetvehely Forestry.
The Forest House and the toilets
From the Cigány-forrás, continue on the marked path, following the P● marking to the nature trail, where we turn left onto the P↺ marking. It is worth lingering at the information boards, although unfortunately some are now in very poor, dysfunctional condition. The route features several forest playgrounds, which have survived in varying conditions over the past two decades.
The nature trail leads towards the former village of Erszék, heading to the paved road, but we do not take that path: at the junction with the P+ marked hiking trail, turn right and follow it from there. The well-walkable wide hiking trail sometimes turns into a difficult-to-follow path, at times navigating dense undergrowth and circumventing fallen trees of various sizes. The P+ marked path follows the slopes of the Mecsek, and at the boundary of the hills it can be wet at the watercourses flowing "according to schedule," which may make our shoes wet. The end of the picturesque trail is marked by the branching of the K◼ path, where turn left towards the Forest House, arriving after a 200-meter walk.
Next to the building operating as accommodation, several sights await tourists. Behind an interactive exhibit showing the history of toilets and sewage treatment (along the S↺ marking), the Southern Transdanubia's first canopy trail extends six meters high and 50 meters long, offering an insight into the crowns of the trees. Unfortunately, the condition of the structure has deteriorated since its opening in 2017 and requires renovation, so it is closed to visitors (summer 2024). However, the canopy walkway is also impressive from below, definitely worth seeing. Another interactive attraction is the nest school, where children-sized bat, tit, and stork nests allow kids to try being a fledgling.
Back in the valley
Leaving behind the sights connected to the Forest House, we return to the parking lot on the forestry road marked P◼. Nearby, we pass the former village of Erszék, now remembered only by a cross and an information board on the left side of the road. The Árpád-era village was already a settlement with a church in the 14th century but became deserted during the Turkish occupation and was not repopulated later. The cross commemorates the church dedicated to Saint Martin.
Right next to the parking lot, a wheel and two memorial poles honor the Sás Valley Gypsy settlement, and an information board provides pictures and details for visitors.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- When arriving by public transport, the Hetvehely railway station is the most convenient starting point.
- The nearest bus stop is Hetvehely, Ady Endre street.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
- You can reach the nature trail from the railway station by following the P◼ marking starting there (900 m, 20 m elevation gain).
- From the bus stop to the railway station follow K▲ marking, then from there follow the P◼ marking to the starting point (1.8 km, 20 m elevation gain).
Parking
- From road number 6605, turning into the Sás Valley and after traveling 1.3 km, you'll find a developed parking lot (the starting point of the route).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- Any Mecsek hiking map
Equipment
Basic hiking equipment: boots or hiking shoes, season-appropriate clothing, drinking water, food. For navigation, use the Természetjáró app.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions