MTB Alžbeta: Pavlovce - Zámutov

Cycle route 023 MTB Alžbeta is the longest and most demanding cycle route in the Slanské vrchy hills. Its length from Pavlovce to the Hungarian border is 136 kilometers and 90 percent of the route leads along forest roads. The lowest point of the route is at an altitude of 139 m above sea level and the highest points of the route exceed 760 m above sea level. It suits people with good physical fitness and cyclists with a technical way of riding in the field. In general, it is not intended for families with children, but some sub-sections are perfect for a one-day bike ride.

One of the starting points for this route is the village of Pavlovce. The sign leads along an older asphalt road. It will take us to the meadow and then to the forest. After about 2.5 km it crosses the blue cycle path. The trail leads through the forest to the educational trail Herlica. At the junction Pod Hrbom the path is turning, in a slight climb we reach Lúka pod Oblíkom (679 m above sea level). From there we go downhill along a paved road towards the Valley of the Giants. The Telekia forest nature trail also follows the same path. In the Giant Valley, the road surface changes to asphalt. We walk along Starý potok tributary, Hermanovské skaly nature reserve and pass Kukorelli's cottage. The 4-kilometer long descent is enjoyable.

We reached the Cross Road above the village of Hermanovce, where we turn right and cycling on an old road with a solid surface we begin to climb a hill called pod Praporcom (height of 833 m above sea level). This is the most demanding part of our journey. On our hike, we overcome an altitude difference of 479 meters. At the top, the route turns left towards Javorová. The road surface changes from compacted gravel to asphalt. Then follows a relatively long descent. We pass the Zámutovské skaly nature reserve and continue on the road in a long descent to the Slaný potok stream. We continue our route in slightly undulating terrain. It remains only about 4 km to the destination of our route in the village of Zámutov.

We stop at a nearby restaurant; in a pleasant environment we can order something to eat. The Alžbeta MTB route does not end in the village of Zámutov, but the 30 km was enough for us today. From there, we can travel to the district town which is about 11 km away from us cycling on asphalt road. Before that, we have a look at the House of Folk Traditions, thanks to which we will be transported to times long past.