Country: Croatia
Area name: Lika, National Park Plitvice
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 12-May-2011
Length (km): 84.9
Elevation gain (m): 1450
Technical difficulty: ●●
GPS tracklog: download
Overview of mountain biking route:
MTB route Camp Korana – Saborsko – Plitvice Lakes is a circular route situated near the famous Plitvice Lakes. The trail leads along National Park Plitvice, Saborsko and Lička Jesenica villages. The route is fast and easy mostly placed on the forest’s roads. Next to Čorkova Uvala there is a long section that leads along the rainforest. Regarding steep ascent on the carriageway section from Lička Jesenica to Javornik the route is recommended to be ridden in opposite direction. All the sections are dry. The drinking water is available in Saborsko village, Čorkova Uvala and at the springs of streams Plitvica & Lička Jesenica. Due to many unlabeled junctions GPS unit with the uploaded route is a must for fast and safe navigation.
Getting there: Europe, Croatia, Zagreb, Karlovac, Slunj, Grabovac, Camp Korana. Camp Korana is situated near the old highway Zagreb – Split, 2km from Grabovac to Plitvice.
Map of mountain biking route:
Description of MTB route:
The starting point of MTB mountain bike route is in Camp Korana. From Camp Korana proceed on the highway to Plitvice direction. Pass near Degenija restaurant and than turn right to Korita valley. After about 1km the paved road turns into unpaved road. Keep the ride to the north west course. The carriageway leads along Korita valley. Near the hunters’ monitoring point, turn right to Turkalj village and than ascend to the north east course. Turn left at the next junction and after about 1km turn left again and proceed on the wide unpaved road to the north west course. After about 2km turn sharp left and proceed on the unpaved road to the south course. The forest’s road leads to Saborsko village. There are many unlabeled junctions, so follow carefully GPS tracklog. At the crossroad with the paved road turn right and pass along Saborsko village. Descend on the paved road to direction of Lička Jesenica village. Just before Lička Jesenica village turn left on the unpaved road and proceed to the south course. A hundred meters before the bridge over Lička Jesenica stream there is an unlabeled junction. The unlabeled singletrack leads to the spring of Lička Jesenica stream. Ride back, pass the bridge and proceed on the unpaved road to the south east course. After about 3.5km the unpaved road turns into the steep carriageway. Regarding steep ascent you will have to hike with the bike for about 1.3km. Regarding this short and steep carriageway section I recommend to ride the complete route in opposite direction. On the section there are many wood residues. At the junction with the unpaved road turn right and proceed to Javornik. At Javornik turn left and the unlabeled carriageway leads to Čorkova Uvala valley. There are many unlabeled junctions, so keep the ride on included GPS tracklog. In Čorkova Uvala there is the hut and the fountain. Pass along the valley and proceed on the unpaved road along the rainforest to the south west course. Turn left at the next junction with the paved road. The paved road leads to Plitvice village. In the village turn left and descend on the singletrack to the bridge over Plitvica stream. Pass the bridge, turn right and ascent to the paved road. Turn left on the paved road and proceed to the ruins of Vila Izvor. Vila Izvor was the resting place of Marshal Tito. About 800 meters before Tito’s Vila Izvor there is a junction. The singletrack leads to the Plitvica canyon and to the spring of Plitvica stream. From the spring of Plitvica stream proceed on the singltrack along the canyon back to the bridge. Pass near the bridge, turn right on the paved road and descend to Plitvice. Visit 2 sightseeing points of National Park Plitvice and ride back along Korana canyon to Camp Korana. For more details check above interactive Map and below Gallery & Notes of the route.
Elevation profile of MTB route:
Notes & references:
Regarding steep ascent on the carriageway section from Lička Jesenica to Javornik the route is recommended to be ridden in opposite direction. Due to many unlabeled junctions the GPS unit with the uploaded route is a must for fast and safe navigation. The entrance fee is charged in National Park Plitvice. Do not try to ride on the hiking paths around Plitvice Lakes! The ride along the labeled hiking paths near the lakes is strictly forbidden!
Best time for ride: summer, spring and fall.
Gallery of mountain biking route: