Mount Parashka

Parashka (also known as Paraska) is the highest mountain of the eponymous ridge located in the Skole Beskydy. Its height is 1271 m (according to other sources - 1268 m). The mountain is located about 8 km northwest of the town of Skole. There is a memorial plaque on the slope of Parashka, and a tall metal cross on the very top.

Tourists fell in love with the peak not only because of its, so to speak, "accessibility" and ease of getting there from any city (in this regard, Skole is very much in favor of other Carpathian settlements), but also because of the magnificent surrounding landscapes that open from its top in clear, cloudless weather. Indeed, with a clear sky and a nice day, all the nearby ridges and their peaks will be in the palm of your hand.

In addition, in good weather, from Parashka you can see not only the neighboring village of Korchyn, but also Stryi, Mykolaiv and even Lviv, which, by the way, is located at a distance of 90 km (!).

The popularity of Parashka

Parashka's popularity is explained by the incredible views of the Skole Beskydy, very convenient transport links to Lviv, and easy elevation changes that are accessible to most tourists.

Climbing Parashka is the most popular route in this region. On sunny days, you can meet numerous school excursions, scout camps, families with small children, mountain runners, and other outdoor enthusiasts who can't and don't want to stay at home.

Experienced tourists say that a hike to Parashka is not exactly a climb, but rather a pleasant leisurely weekend walk of 16 kilometers (round trip), which in total will take no more than 8-10 hours (depending on the pace of walking).

The legend of the name origin

According to an ancient legend, the mountain is named after Paraska, who was the daughter (according to the second version - the wife) of the son of Volodymyr the Great, Prince Sviatoslav. It was on this peak that the unfortunate woman was killed after her husband's defeat and death in a battle with the army of Sviatopolk Okayan in 1015.

However, although there is no direct evidence or refutation of this legend, it has been alive for many centuries and, I suspect, will live long after us.

The route

The most popular and easiest route to the top of Parashka starts in the town of Skole, or to be more precise, from the train station (both the train and bus stations are nearby). After arriving at the station, you need to cross the tracks in the direction of the Kyiv-Chop highway (you can ask any of the locals).

The best starting point for the route is the Rukavychka supermarket. It is behind this store that the trail leads up. There is another way to start the climb. To do this, you need to walk about 200 meters in the direction of Chop, and before the intersection turn right and take the route.

After conquering the top, you can return back to Skole, or you can take the route to the village of Korchyn, where you can also enjoy the beauty and power of the Gurkalo waterfall, and in the warm season - even swim.