Biała Woda Nature Reserve

The Biała Woda Nature Reserve is an area covering 33.71 hectares, located in the Małe Pieniny (Little Pieniny) range within the Małopolskie Voivodeship. It was established in 1963. The area has a rich history dating back to settlements during the reign of Bolesław Chrobry (Boleslaus the Brave). In later centuries, it was inhabited by Rusyns, who developed pastoralism and small-scale crafts. After World War II, as a result of Operation "Vistula", the local inhabitants were displaced, and remnants of former buildings are still visible in the form of foundations and wild fruit trees. The reserve was established to protect the unique landscape, valuable geological features such as limestone rocks and cascades, and interesting flora, including rare plants found on rocks. The region is well-suited for tourism; it is accessible via an asphalt road from Jaworki, near which attractions such as a horse stud farm and a small chapel can be found. Various hiking and cycling trails are available for tourists, including a trail leading to a tourist border crossing. The flora of the reserve is diverse, featuring patches of forest, rock vegetation, and rare plant species such as Dryas octopetala (mountain avens) and Alchemilla alpina (alpine lady's mantle). The reserve also boasts interesting rock formations, such as Czubata Skała (Crested Rock) and Bazaltowa Skałka (Basalt Rock), as well as the cliff of Smolegowa Skała, where the stream forms mountain cascades. The reserve not only serves as a protected area but also encourages active leisure in nature, offering numerous opportunities to explore the natural and geological values of this unique region.