The Legend of the Miller’s Daughter
Locally, the Susara Valley is also known as Valea Morii (The Mill's Valley) because of the many watermills that once lined its banks. Legend has it that a beautiful miller's daughter fell in love with a young shepherd who grazed his flock on the limestone ridges above.
Their love was forbidden by the wealthy mill owners of the valley. It is said that the two lovers met one last time at the top of the cliff before disappearing into the mist of the waterfall to remain together forever. To this day, locals say the two-stepped fall represents the two lovers, forever joined by the flowing water of the Susara stream.
A beautiful two-stepped waterfall in the Locva Mountains of Romania during autumn, featuring golden leaves, mossy rocks, and a clear forest stream.
The Susara Gorge is a humid, emerald-green microclimate where rare species thrive:
- The Fire Salamander (see more): The damp mossy rocks around the waterfall are the perfect habitat for the Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra). After a light rain, you can see dozens of these black-and-yellow creatures along the trail.
- The Stone Crayfish (see more): One of the rarest sights for a tourist is the Stone Crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium), which lives in the crystal-clear, unpolluted waters of the Susara stream.
- Unique Flora: The valley floor is often covered in a dense carpet of Wild Garlic (Leurdă) (see more), filling the air with a fresh, pungent aroma during the spring months.
- The Roman Footprint: Near the beginning of the trail, you can spot the remains of an ancient Roman mine (Tecla Mine), a reminder that this area has been prized for its copper and gold since antiquity.
- The Adrenaline Pinch: Just before reaching the main waterfall, the trail narrows into a short gorge where you have to walk on metal steps (staples) fixed into the rock wall while holding onto a cable. It’s a mini-adventure that makes reaching the waterfall even more rewarding!
- Two-Step Beauty: Unlike many waterfalls that are a single drop, Susara falls in two distinct stages, totaling about 15 meters in height.
- Height: ~15 meters (falling in two steps)
- Trail Marker: Blue Cross (+)
- Duration: 45 - 60 minutes (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy (with a very short technical section at the end)
- Starting Point: Sasca Montană (the southern end of the village)
- Location: Caraș-Severin County, Locva Mountains
Frequently Asked Questions: Susara Waterfall
1. Where exactly is Susara Waterfall located? The waterfall is hidden in the Locva Mountains, within the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park. The nearest access point is the village of Sasca Montană in Caraș-Severin County.
2. How long is the hike to the waterfall? It is a relatively short and pleasant walk. From the edge of Sasca Montană, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the waterfall. The total round trip is approximately 4-5 kilometers.
3. Is the trail difficult for beginners? No, the trail is classified as easy. It follows a gentle forest path along the stream. There is only one very short section near the end where you walk on metal steps fixed into the rock, but it is manageable for most hikers and children.
4. When is the best time to see the waterfall at its peak? The best time is during late spring (May-June) after the snow melts or during rainy periods, when the water flow is strongest. However, the lush green moss and the cool shade of the canyon make it a perfect retreat during hot summer days as well.
5. Are there any fees to visit? Since the waterfall is located inside a National Park, there is a small conservation fee (usually around 10-15 RON) that you pay at the park entrance or to the rangers on-site.
6. Can I visit other attractions nearby? Yes! Many hikers combine a trip to Susara Waterfall with the famous Cheile Nerei (Nera Gorges), Ochiul Beiului Lake, or the rock tunnels of La Tunele, which are all within a short driving distance from Sasca Montană.
7. Is it safe to drink the water from the stream? While the water looks crystal clear and is home to sensitive species like the Stone Crayfish, it is always safer to bring your own bottled water or use a professional filtration straw when hiking.
