Route type: Two-way
Moderately Difficult: 1/5 (Difficult)
Duration: 2h 30min
Length: 4km
Equivalent length: 4km
Ascent: 480m
Descent: 39m
Maximum altitude: 2187m
Minimum altitude: 1716m
Drinking water: Yes
The summit of impressive Epano Arena can be approached, apart from the direct ascent, also by a somewhat easier — though much longer — route, which passes through the Trakosara meadow. The Trakosara meadow is remarkably flat and lush green, and can be used for camping.
The route starts from Lake Moutsiala, the largest and lowest of the twin Arenes lakes. From the lake we take the dirt road northwards and leave it at the great Trakosara meadow. In the middle of the meadow, a fine trail begins — indistinct at first but soon clearly visible. The trail seeks out the most passable way through the rocky outcrops of Epano Arena and, after a few switchbacks, emerges into beautiful alpine meadows with small tarns.
From here we ascend the bare, view-rich northern crest of Epano Arena (2,196 m). Approaching the summit we will pass through a series of fortifications and embrasures, all stone-built and so numerous and well organized that they resemble a small village.
It is the largest of the surviving complexes of defensive quarters on the ridgelines of Gramos, built by the Democratic Army of Greece.
Route walkability
Distribution over
altitudinal zones
Elevation profile
Starting – ending point and maximum elevation
Tips
- Water at the two springs in Moutsiala (one at the lower lake and one at the upper). The spring at the Trakosara meadow has no water. The natural spring is higher up, inside the forest, and we can locate it by following the hosepipe.
- The Trakosara meadow is a favourite camping spot for the friends of Gramos.
Comments
- Although the area is now well-trodden, keep an eye out for old ordnance, especially inside the ruins of the guerrilla quarters.