Route A

Overview

Route A (Program A) is the park’s shortest signed walk, focusing on the Lower Lakes and their waterfall-filled canyon. It starts and ends at Entrance 1 and covers about 3.5 km/2.2 miles total, taking most visitors 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace. Expect classic views of Veliki Slap (the Great Waterfall) and a string of cascades and turquoise pools in a UNESCO-listed landscape where the lakes shift color with minerals and light.

What You’ll See

From Entrance 1 you descend toward the Lower Lakes boardwalks with an early spur to Veliki Slap. Along the canyon you’ll pass viewpoints of Sastavci and Milanovački slap, and the lakes of Novakovića Brod, Kaluđerovac, Gavanovac, and Milanovac. At Kozjak Lake’s bridge, the signed A route traditionally turns back rather than crossing; you return toward Entrance 1 along the Lower Lakes shoreline. The way is well signed for A/B/C/K throughout.

Trail Character and Difficulty

It’s an easy walk overall on wooden boardwalks and compacted paths, but do expect stair sections—especially near the Great Waterfall and when climbing back out to Entrance 1. Surfaces can be damp or slippery when wet. The route uses only a portion of the lakes area’s overall 134 m of vertical change, but the stairs and crowds can still add effort.

Crowds and Best Time to Hike

This is one of the park’s busiest walks. Summer is the peak season and boardwalks swell after about 10:00. Arriving right at opening gives you the quietest experience and the cleanest photos. The park is open year‑round, and the route remains rewarding in all seasons; staying nearby the night before helps you start early.

Logistics and Accessibility

Begin at Entrance 1 and follow signs for Program A. Electric boats and panoramic vehicles operate on schedules elsewhere in the park; while some visitors use the shuttle from the Kozjak area, the classic A route is done on foot. Due to stairs and uneven boardwalks, this route is not wheelchair or stroller friendly; those with mobility limitations may prefer Entrance 1’s paved viewpoints instead.

Tips and Add‑Ons

• Boardwalks can be slick—wear shoes with good grip.
• Popular extras near Route A—such as upper-cliff viewpoints by Veliki Slap and Supljara Cave—have been reported closed at times; check day‑of conditions.
• Want more than the Lower Lakes? Choose Program B for a boat ride across Kozjak, or Program C (from Entrance 1) or Program H (from Entrance 2) to add the Upper Lakes while keeping difficulty easy.