Geotouristic values of the Chochołowska Valley (Tatra Mountains, Poland) and their accessibility for people with physical disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this contribution is to present the geotourist path in the Chochołowska Valley for the disabled with limited mobility, as well as for the elderly. The Chochołowska Valley is the most westward valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains (Western Tatras). It is the longest and largest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains, with an area of 35 km2 and 10 km in length. The highest peak located in the Chochołowska Valley is the Starorobociański Wierch at 2176 m a.s.l. The altitude at the end of the valley around Siwa Polana, is about 900 m a.s.l. (from 910 m a.s.l. to 920 m a.s.l.). At the Polana Huciska, where the geotoursit path ends, the altitude is about 1000 m a.s.l. The length of the path is 3.5 km, and the altitude difference over this distance is 100 meters. The Chochołowska Valley is developed in sedimentary rocks (limestones, marls, dolomites), belonging to two nappes: Choč Nappe (e.g. Siwiańskie Turnie outcrop) and Križna Nappe (e.g. Niżna Brama Chochołowska Rock Gate). The valley administratively belongs to the Witów village. A green tourist trail was marked through the valley. It start from the Siwa Polana to the mountain hut named after John Paul II on Polana Chochołowska. An asphalt road is from Siwa Polana to the Polana Huciska. The Chochołowska Valley is one of the most beautiful Tatra valleys with numerous rock outcrops and is considered to have a high geotouristic potential. The proposed geotourist path includes selected outcrops, which can be easily accessed by people with limited mobility, including people in wheelchairs. This path runs along a wide asphalt road, and any additional equipment (e.g. a freewheel for wheelchairs) is not required. A large car parking lot is available at the beginning of the proposed path (Siwa Polana), as well as sanitary and catering facilities.