Through the Szuadó valley to Orfű

Itinerary

• From the Szentkút bus turnaround, we walk along the P● mark to the Kancsal spring, which starts 200 metres away.
• Here we join the P mark coming from Remeterét.
• Following the P mark, we climb up to the main road, then descend into the Éger valley.
• In the stream valley, we change trail marks and following the K+ mark, we arrive at the "Blockhouse".
• In the Szuadó valley, the K+ mark continues to guide us.
• At the end of the Szuadó gorge, we cross to the Z▲ mark via an unmarked path – 200 metres.
• Following the Z▲ mark, we cross the main road and then descend into the Dragon Gorge for those seeking adventure on the Z● mark.
• Arriving in Orfű, we change marks and follow the S mark to the Mill Museum, from where our mark leads us to Mecsekrákos, where our hike ends.

Detailed description of the hike

At the parking lot of the Mecsekszentkút terminal, we spot the P● mark, which we follow to the Kancsal spring, flowing 200 metres away. Here we turn left onto the P mark coming from Remete-rét. On a beautiful forest path, we climb steeply to the Abaliget main road. Crossing it carefully, we pass by the Szentkút guesthouses along a concrete-signed road, then at a large bend in the road, we head straight into the woods. In the lovely forest, we descend steeply into the Éger valley, where we change marks and continue right along the K+ mark coming from the Éger valley forest park.

Leaving the valley, in a beautiful forest environment, we climb steeply to the Szuadó saddle, where we can rest and catch our breath by the "Blockhouse". Our path is crossed here by the Rockenbauer Pál South Transdanubian Blue Trail route. Leaving the clearing, our path steeply descends into the Szuadó valley. In the wild gorge valley, we first pass by the Mihály hermit spring, then follow the winding stream. The Orfű stream flows in the valley, fed by abundant springs on the valley sides. It is worth visiting these on the K● mark to draw water and refresh yourself. After discovering the Szuadó, Laci, and Owl springs, rest at the shelter used by cavers!

During our valley adventure, we cross the stream several times, admiring smaller rapids and waterfalls. Our mark soon leads us steeply out of the wild gorge, but before leaving the stream valley, let’s take a short exploratory walk along the stream! Here we find the water sinkholes of the Szuadó, Gilisztás, and Trió caves. Reading an information board, we can learn more about the mysterious world of caves.

Adventure in the gorge

Returning to our path, we climb steeply up the hillside. We walk through an exceptionally beautiful area. The path winding among the ancient beech trees offers a primeval forest atmosphere. In this magical environment, we walk close to one and a half kilometres when our trail emerges onto the Abaliget main road. Here, after a 200-metre walk along an unmarked path turning right, we change to the Z▲ mark coming from Vörös Hill. Crossing the main road, after 100 metres the S+ mark joins us, with which we descend very steeply. Shortly, our trail is enticed left by the Z● mark. Let’s give in to temptation and descend to the Dragon Spring flowing in the Dragon Gorge! Adventurers can embark on an exploratory route into the wild gorge flowing into the Szuadó valley.

Returning to our path, we soon reach the houses of Orfű, where we meet the S and Z marks. Following the S mark northward, we walk to the still operational Mill Museum. On the Z mark, we can take a detour to the nearby Mecsek House. The home of the Szeged Karst and Cave Research Association hosts colorful and exciting caving programs for visitors. At the Mill Museum, we can also glimpse into the daily lives of former millers and learn about the operation of the still functional mill. From the mill, a short walk leads us to the Vízfő educational trail, whose station is the Vízfő cave and the Vízfő spring emerging from a rock crevice, considered the most abundant spring in the Mecsek. It is believed that the cave system may be larger than the famous Abaliget Cave.

Returning to the mill, we continue following the S mark, passing the picturesque beauty of Lake Orfű. This is how we arrive at the centre of Mecsekrákos, where we find a restaurant, a shop, and a bus stop.