# Hiking Trail in the Tarcău-Brates Area, Batca Rachitei Peak

> The trail starts at the former sandstone quarry in Tarcău. To reach it, drive along the Piatra Neamț – Bicaz road and turn left towards Tarcău.

2010-04-21, Nature

The trail starts at the former sandstone quarry in Tarcău. To reach it, drive along the Piatra Neamț – Bicaz road and turn left towards Tarcău. Continue to Brates commune, then turn right onto a dirt road that winds through the forest alongside the Brates stream.

This road leads to the sandstone quarry. You can leave your car at the quarry. From here, continue on foot towards Saint Ilie Hermitage – Bratesul Unguresc. Do not attempt to climb beside the quarry, as the path leads to a wildlife observation point.

Continue along the road until you reach a sign indicating that Saint Ilie Hermitage is another 4 km away. From here, turn right onto the first forest road leading directly into the forest. As you follow this road, Batca Rachitei Peak will eventually come into view. The ascent is not steep: the road winds uphill until it becomes a path that climbs through a glade to the right of the peak. **Photo Album** Click to view larger versions of the images

Once at the top, the view is remarkable. After a short break on the summit, we continue along the ridge, descending towards Crucea Rosie Peak. From here, follow the stream through the forest to the forest road. Turn left at the junction with this road, and before long you will reach Bratesul Unguresc: a village with a few houses.

The road continues, and after a few km (approximately 3 -4 km) you reach Saint Ilie Hermitage. From here, it is approximately another 5 km to where you left your car. The trail is particularly spectacular and feels like a journey back in time. Nature seems untouched in the Tarcău Mountains. People greet you simply, ask where you have come from and wish you “good cheer”.

The trail takes approximately 8 hours of steady walking and requires a guide.

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