There are several hills called Minčol in Slovakia, all of them offering excellent hiking, relaxing in nature, or beautiful scenery. They differ only in their position and height. One of the mountains of the same name is the one that rises in Orava Magura and it is even the highest peak of the main ridge.
Minčol Hill is situated on the border of the Protected Landscape Area of Horná Orava and the protective zone of the National Park Little Fatra, directly above the town of Dolný Kubín. The eastern slopes of this hill are deforested and there is a popular ski resort SKI PARK Kubínska hoľa. In winter season, you can also get to the top using a chair lift.
The route to the very top leads mostly through mountain meadows, which are covered with spruce as well as fir trees, which allow some views to open up in front of you. But the right ones, breathtaking, are waiting for you at the top. You can enjoy views of Dolný Kubín, Little Fatra and Greater Fatra, High and Low Tatras, Greater Choč, Orava and Kysucké Beskydy.
The northwestern slopes of Minčola are a national nature reserve with rare primeval forests. Its marginal parts are accessible by hiking trails. The northeast slope hides the so-called Minčolské Morské oko (Sea Eye of Minčol). It is a local name for the "Puchmajerovej lake" of peat bog nature with rare fen vegetation.
Minčol Hill is easily accessible. You can reach here, for example, the red tourist trail from Zázrivá (about 7 km). Follow the blue trail through Kubínska hola from Oravský Podzámok (about 7 km) or follow the green trail from Dolný Kubín.
You may need some: accommodation Dolný Kubín