Lolaia Waterfall

About Lolaia Waterfall

Lolaia Waterfall is the easiest waterfall to see in the Retezat Mountains: it lies at about 1,050 m in the Nucșoara valley, right at the northern entrance to Retezat National Park, a quarter of an hour's walk from the car park at Cârnic. Water gathered from the Pietrele, Stânișoara, Valea Rea and Galeșu valleys, all coming down from glacial cirques, drops some 13–15 m over a granite ledge.

What sets it apart is a rock at the top of the fall that splits the water into two parallel streams, which only meet again at the bottom, in a pool carved out by the force of the water. This is also the source of the local legend: a shepherdess called Lolaia was bringing her sheep down to Nucșoara at the end of summer when an apparition devoured her flock, and the terrified girl threw herself into the valley. Where she fell a deep hole opened in the rock, and the two streams are said to be her unbraided plaits.

The waterfall is on the classic northern route into the Retezat, towards the Pietrele and Gențiana chalets, so many people stop here on their way up to the ridges. For others it is a short walk in its own right, easy to do with children.

Information verified on 4 October 2026.

Good to know before you go

Getting there

By car: from Hațeg, take the DN66 towards Petroșani as far as Ohaba de sub Piatră, then the DJ667A through Sălașu de Jos, Sălașu de Sus, Mălăiești and Nucșoara to Cârnic, the park's northern gateway; it is about 25 km from Hațeg, the last ~5 km unpaved (from the viaduct at Nucșoara). Hațeg is ~45 km from Deva and ~45 km from Petroșani. From Cârnic, where cars must stop, walk along the forest road marked with a blue stripe (the Ohaba – Pietrele trail) for about 15–20 minutes, then take the wooden staircase down to the viewpoint.

Public transport: regional trains on the Simeria – Petroșani line stop at Ohaba de sub Piatră, but from there to Cârnic it is ~16 km with no scheduled services; you need a taxi or a car.

Where to park

You leave the car in the car park at Cârnic, at the end of the road open to the public; beyond it, towards Pietrele, cars are not allowed. On summer weekends several hundred visitors come, so spaces fill up early. It is not confirmed whether parking is charged.

Fees & discounts

The waterfall is inside Retezat National Park, which charges a visitor fee of 10 lei per person (VAT included), valid for 7 days with any number of entries. You can buy it online (bilete.retezat.ro, Easy2Visit), by text message to 7494 (code PNR1 for one ticket), at the Nucșoara visitor centre, at the Codrin and Lolaia chalets at Cârnic or from park staff; keep the proof for inspections. Minors, residents of the park's localities and people with disabilities are exempt, under the park's rules.

Rules

Stay on the forest road and the built staircase; the rocks next to the waterfall are wet and slippery, and swimming in the pool is not a good idea even in summer. Fires and camping are only allowed in designated areas (the camping area at Cârnic). Dogs must be kept on a lead, drones may only fly with the park administration's approval, and you take your litter back with you. Shoes with good grip are enough for the waterfall; further on, towards Pietrele, you need proper mountain gear. In an emergency call 112 or 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668).

Facilities

Chalets, guesthouses, restaurants and a camping area at Cârnic · park visitor centre in Nucșoara · wooden staircase with handrail and a viewpoint at the waterfall · no toilets at the waterfall · weak mobile signal in the valley · the staircase is not accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair