Dorkowa Rock

Dorkowa Skała is a rock outcrop located in the southern part of the Silesian Beskids, near the summit of Szarcula, on the ridge leading from the Kubalonka Pass. It takes the form of a heavily eroded, wide rock balcony standing 6-8 meters high, with a deep niche at its base. It is composed of layers of thick, conglomerate-like quartz-feldspar sandstones from the Cretaceous period, characterized by their rusty color. Dorkowa Skała has been known to the local population for a long time, and its name likely derives from the name Dorota, associated with a legend about a shepherd's daughter who died in a fight over grazing lands. Climbers can test their skills on 12 straightforward routes of varying difficulty, mostly top-rope climbs, although some are overhanging. The rock has been recognized as a natural monument since 1958 and lies within the boundaries of the Silesian Beskid Landscape Park. A red hiking trail runs through the area, connecting Kubalonka, Dorkowa Skała, and the mountain huts on Stecówka, making the site attractive to both climbers and hikers. An interesting feature is the perpetual overgrowth of some sections, which may discourage exploration, even though the area offers interesting challenges for climbing enthusiasts.