Up to the Merkys estuary to the Nemunas, the Forest Trail leads along the banks of the Nemunas valley, where it is surrounded by large and beautiful forests of Dzūkija in the vicinity of the Dainava Lowland (Dainavos lyguma). In some places in the forest massif there are open places where small villages are scattered. Nearby Česukai village, the Forest Trail forms a large circle around the Merkys estuary to the Nemunas, because the nearest bridge is on the A4 road. Here you can see picturesque landscapes over the wide and deep Merkys valley. After crossing Merkys, the Forest Trail stretches along a narrow country road on the left bank of the river and leads to the Merkinė mound, from which one of the most beautiful landscapes of Southern Lithuania opens up. Along the small and winding streets of Merkinė (Piliakalnio, V. Sladkevičiaus, S. Dariaus and S. Girėno) the Forest Trail reaches the town centre. This section of the Forest Trail is a part of Dzūkija National Park.
Practical information
Length: 25 km
Duration: 6 – 8 h
Starting point: Žiogeliai village
End point: Merkinė centre by Merkinė Regional Museum
The course of the route: Žiogeliai – Utieka – Krušonys – Maksimai – Česukai – Merkinė
Road surface: small forest and country roads, gravel roads, in a short section – trails and asphalt (Merkinė), by the castle mounds – stairs.
Difficulty: Medium
Obstacles: there is a small stream behind the Utieka, over which there is no bridge.
Danger points: The Merkys river must be crossed via the A4 road bridge. You have to cross the road and walk along the side of the road for a few hundred metres. Be careful!
There are hogweeds in the vicinity of the Utieka, which must not be touched, because they cause burns!
Good to know! There are no shops or catering sites from Žiogeliai to Merkinė. In the section from Krušonys to Merkinė the Forest Trail coincides with the cycling route of the Dzūkija National Park, marked with similar signs and colors, therefore the marking of the Forest Trail in Dzūkija National Park is supplemented with a hiker sign.
Nature:
Walking along the banks of Nemunas and Merkys valleys, dry pine forests are often visible. Dry pine forests are sparse, sunny coniferous forests that grow on infertile, sandy soils. The natural coniferous forests of the northern hemisphere are also called boreal forests. The existence of dry pine forests is under threat, as the soil is gradually becoming more fertile, uncharacteristic plants begin to grow in these forests, and the sparse forest is overgrown with thick spruces. In dry pine forests, there are species that do not live elsewhere, such as the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). In dry pine forests, very important are elements of biological diversity, such as small forested meadows (glades) and snags – dry and dead trees and fallen deadwood – the remains of trees lying on the ground in different stages of decay. In dry pine forests, walkers will be delighted with lingonberries, beautiful juniper stands with healthy buds, and a variety of edible mushrooms.
Tourism information:
- Dzūkija national park Merkinė visitor center
Address: Vilniaus street 3, Merkinė, Varėna district.; Phone: +370 67246275
More information about the route (accommodation, catering, shops, map, GPX coordinates) - https://baltictrails.eu/en/forest/day/131
