The Bad Stone Cave (Peștera din Piatra Rea): Where the Mountains Whisper Ancient Secrets +video and views
Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2026 1:21 pm
Deep within the majestic Rodna Mountains National Park, nestled in the rugged terrain that borders Maramureș, lies a place of raw, untamed beauty: Peștera din Piatra Rea (The Bad Stone Cave). This isn't your average tourist cave; it's a wild, vertical challenge for experienced adventurers and a place steeped in local lore.
The Legend Behind the Name: "The Bad Stone"
The name "Piatra Rea" - meaning "Bad Stone" or "Evil Stone" - isn't merely descriptive; it carries the weight of generations of local experience. The shepherds and villagers who once roamed these harsh mountains considered this area particularly treacherous. The terrain is incredibly steep, with precarious cliffs and hidden abysses. Legends say the name came from the dangers faced by livestock, which could easily get lost or fall in the unforgiving landscape. It was a place "bad" for those who dared to venture unprepared, guarding its secrets fiercely.
The Bad Stone Cave: The Fortress of the Clouds
1. The Curse of the "Bad Stone"
The Legend: Why is the stone "Bad" (Rea)? The Story: Local folklore says the mountain was named "Piatra Rea" because of the violent storms that seem to strike this peak more than any other. Legend has it that a giant once tried to build a castle here to hide from the sun, but the mountain kept shaking him off. Eventually, the giant crumbled into the white limestone cliffs we see today, and the cave is said to be his "mouth," forever gasping for the cool mountain air.
2. The Sanctuary of the Chamois (Caprele Negre)
The Legend: The guardians of the heights. The Story: Because the cave is located in such a steep, inaccessible area, it has long been considered a sacred refuge for the Black Goats (Chamois) (see more). Legend says that these animals are the true owners of the cave and that they lead lost hikers toward the entrance only if they have a "pure heart." If someone with bad intentions approaches, the "Bad Stone" makes the mist descend instantly, hiding the path.
3. The Hidden Waterfall
The Legend: The water that disappears. The Story: The cave is part of a complex karst system. It is said that the water you hear echoing inside the cave is the "soul" of the nearby Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor). Locals believe there is a secret passage connecting the cave to the top of the waterfall, a path used by spirits to travel between the sky and the deep earth.
A Vertical World of Wonders
What makes Piatra Rea truly exceptional? It's part of one of the most complex and highest karst systems in Romania.
Piatra Rea isn't just about what's inside. The journey to reach it is an adventure in itself. The surrounding Piatra Rea reservation boasts unique flora and fauna, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Rodna Mountains and the Maramureș peaks. It’s a place where you can truly feel the untouched wilderness of the Carpathians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Piatra Rea Cave & Nature Reserve
1. Can anyone visit the interior of the cave?
No. Unlike "show caves" with paved paths and lights, Piatra Rea is a wild, vertical cave. It is strictly for experienced cavers (speleologists) with professional equipment. However, the Piatra Rea Nature Reserve surrounding the cave is open to experienced hikers and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Carpathians.
2. Why is it called "The Bad Stone"?
The name comes from the extremely rugged and steep limestone terrain. Local shepherds named it "Bad Stone" because it was a "wicked" place for their flocks—many animals would get lost or fall from the sharp, hidden cliffs. Today, the name serves as a warning for hikers to stay on the marked trails.
3. How long is the hike to the Piatra Rea area?
If you start from the Borșa resort (taking the chairlift up part of the way), the hike to the Piatra Rea plateau and the cave area takes about 3 to 4 hours (round trip). It is a medium-to-high difficulty trail due to the steep incline.
4. Can I see the Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) from here?
Yes! Piatra Rea is part of the same mountain complex. You can easily combine a visit to the Horses' Waterfall with a trek to the Piatra Rea reserve. In fact, the water that disappears into the karst cracks of Piatra Rea often contributes to the spectacular falls nearby.
5. What should I pack for this trip?
Since it is part of the Rodna Mountains National Park, you may need to pay a small park entrance fee (usually available via SMS or at the park entrance). To enter the cave itself, a special permit from the Mountain Rescue (Salvamont) or the Speleological Federation is usually required.
The Legend Behind the Name: "The Bad Stone"
The name "Piatra Rea" - meaning "Bad Stone" or "Evil Stone" - isn't merely descriptive; it carries the weight of generations of local experience. The shepherds and villagers who once roamed these harsh mountains considered this area particularly treacherous. The terrain is incredibly steep, with precarious cliffs and hidden abysses. Legends say the name came from the dangers faced by livestock, which could easily get lost or fall in the unforgiving landscape. It was a place "bad" for those who dared to venture unprepared, guarding its secrets fiercely.
A realistic winter landscape of the Maramureș mountains showing a natural cave entrance on a steep, snowy cliffside surrounded by frost-covered pine trees under a cloudy grey sky.
The Bad Stone Cave: The Fortress of the Clouds1. The Curse of the "Bad Stone"
The Legend: Why is the stone "Bad" (Rea)? The Story: Local folklore says the mountain was named "Piatra Rea" because of the violent storms that seem to strike this peak more than any other. Legend has it that a giant once tried to build a castle here to hide from the sun, but the mountain kept shaking him off. Eventually, the giant crumbled into the white limestone cliffs we see today, and the cave is said to be his "mouth," forever gasping for the cool mountain air.
2. The Sanctuary of the Chamois (Caprele Negre)
The Legend: The guardians of the heights. The Story: Because the cave is located in such a steep, inaccessible area, it has long been considered a sacred refuge for the Black Goats (Chamois) (see more). Legend says that these animals are the true owners of the cave and that they lead lost hikers toward the entrance only if they have a "pure heart." If someone with bad intentions approaches, the "Bad Stone" makes the mist descend instantly, hiding the path.
3. The Hidden Waterfall
The Legend: The water that disappears. The Story: The cave is part of a complex karst system. It is said that the water you hear echoing inside the cave is the "soul" of the nearby Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor). Locals believe there is a secret passage connecting the cave to the top of the waterfall, a path used by spirits to travel between the sky and the deep earth.
A Vertical World of Wonders
What makes Piatra Rea truly exceptional? It's part of one of the most complex and highest karst systems in Romania.
- The Entrance: Often marked by dramatic rock formations, the cave entrance itself is an impressive sight, with some sections featuring cascading waterfalls that plunge into its depths.
- Underground Rivers: Inside, a labyrinth of narrow passages, deep shafts, and underground rivers awaits, making it a true test of skill and endurance for speleologists.
- Part of a Grand System: It's intrinsically linked to the surrounding landscape, including the famous Cascada Cailor (Horses' Waterfall) (Click HERE to see more) near Borșa, as the underground water flows play a vital role in its formation.
Piatra Rea isn't just about what's inside. The journey to reach it is an adventure in itself. The surrounding Piatra Rea reservation boasts unique flora and fauna, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Rodna Mountains and the Maramureș peaks. It’s a place where you can truly feel the untouched wilderness of the Carpathians.
A video witch present The Bad Stone Cave (Peștera din Piatra Rea):"For those who seek the authentic spirit of the mountains, Peștera din Piatra Rea offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding encounter with nature's raw power and ancient tales."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Piatra Rea Cave & Nature Reserve
1. Can anyone visit the interior of the cave?
No. Unlike "show caves" with paved paths and lights, Piatra Rea is a wild, vertical cave. It is strictly for experienced cavers (speleologists) with professional equipment. However, the Piatra Rea Nature Reserve surrounding the cave is open to experienced hikers and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Carpathians.
2. Why is it called "The Bad Stone"?
The name comes from the extremely rugged and steep limestone terrain. Local shepherds named it "Bad Stone" because it was a "wicked" place for their flocks—many animals would get lost or fall from the sharp, hidden cliffs. Today, the name serves as a warning for hikers to stay on the marked trails.
3. How long is the hike to the Piatra Rea area?
If you start from the Borșa resort (taking the chairlift up part of the way), the hike to the Piatra Rea plateau and the cave area takes about 3 to 4 hours (round trip). It is a medium-to-high difficulty trail due to the steep incline.
4. Can I see the Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) from here?
Yes! Piatra Rea is part of the same mountain complex. You can easily combine a visit to the Horses' Waterfall with a trek to the Piatra Rea reserve. In fact, the water that disappears into the karst cracks of Piatra Rea often contributes to the spectacular falls nearby.
5. What should I pack for this trip?
- Boots: High-ankle hiking boots are mandatory (the "Bad Stone" is slippery!).
- Water: There are few springs on the plateau, so carry at least 2 liters.
- Windbreaker: Even in summer, the wind on the ridge is very strong.
- Camera: The limestone formations and the view of the Rodna peaks are legendary.
Since it is part of the Rodna Mountains National Park, you may need to pay a small park entrance fee (usually available via SMS or at the park entrance). To enter the cave itself, a special permit from the Mountain Rescue (Salvamont) or the Speleological Federation is usually required.