Route H

Overview

Route H is the park’s greatest-hits loop from Entrance 2, covering both the Upper and Lower Lakes with minimal backtracking. It’s about 5.5 miles total and typically takes 4–6 hours, including time for the two boat rides and shuttle transfers. Expect classic boardwalk wandering past cascades, the long, scenic crossing of Lake Kozjak, and a finale through the Lower Lakes canyon to the Big Waterfall.

Route flow (clockwise)

Start at Entrance 2 and hop the shuttle at ST2 up to ST3. Walk the zig‑zagging Upper Lakes boardwalks down to P2. Take the short boat P2 → P1, then immediately the long boat P1 → P3 across Kozjak. From P3, follow the Lower Lakes boardwalks and take the short detour to Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall). Finish at ST1 and ride the shuttle back to ST2. Boats and shuttles are included with your park ticket.

What it feels like

Surfaces are mostly level boardwalks and packed paths with some stairs and gentle ups/downs. The effort comes from the duration, photo stops, and occasional waits for transport rather than steep climbs. Boardwalks can be wet and narrow in places, which adds to the atmosphere but slows the pace.

Why choose Route H

If you want one loop that shows off nearly everything—Upper Lakes, Lower Lakes, and the long Kozjak crossing—this is the move from Entrance 2. It’s very similar to Route C (which starts from Entrance 1) but avoids retracing steps by linking shuttle and boat segments efficiently.

Best time to hike

Crowds build quickly. Start right at opening or a few hours before closing for calmer boardwalks and shorter boat queues. Off‑season or bad weather can mean reduced transport frequency, so pad your schedule if timing is tight.

Know before you go

Bring water and snacks; options are limited and clustered near the lake crossings and entrances. Wear grippy footwear—boardwalks can be slick. Swimming is prohibited. The route isn’t ideal for wheelchairs or wide strollers due to steps, narrow sections, and crowd bottlenecks. If you’re bussing in and staying near Entrance 2 or 3, a two‑day pass can make logistics easier, and there’s free luggage storage at the entrances.