Goč: Hiking Trails and Mountain Landscapes

• The ridge trail starts in Goč village at 1,030 m and ends in Mitrovo Polje at 680 m; it is challenging and partly developed.
• Mount Goč has three described hiking trails with approximate walking times ranging from 45 minutes to two hours.
• Mount Goč is 10 km long; its highest peak reaches 1,127 m. Lake Selište is an artificial lake at Gvozdac.
• Activities that could endanger the cleanliness of the water are prohibited at Lake Selište. Confirm the rule locally.

The three hiking options differ mainly in length, elevation gain and time required. The loop trail from the Goč Centre to Lake Selište is 6.28 km long, has an elevation gain of 147 m and takes recreational hikers approximately one and a half to two hours. This makes it the longest and most time-consuming of the described options.

The “Selište Lake Small” trail by the lake is 2.35 km long, has an elevation gain of 70 m and takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It is suitable for family hikes, relaxation and taking photos of the lake. The trail to Krst Peak is shorter at 1.35 km, but has an elevation gain of 102.3 m; it is also estimated to take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It is suitable for sports enthusiasts, people seeking relaxation and entire families. The similar time estimates despite the different trail lengths make comparing the figures especially useful, without guaranteeing a walking time. Trail conditions may vary by season.

The “Grebenska ‘Ljukten’” ridge trail cannot be directly compared using these time estimates: no duration is given for it. Its starting point in Goč village is at 1,030 m, and it ends in Mitrovo Polje at 680 m. The trail is described as challenging and partly developed. Its route page was last checked in April 2015; conditions may have changed since then. Check it again before setting out.

The mountain stretches for ten kilometres and is classified as a low mountain. Its highest peak is at 1,127 m and is a viewpoint from which Goč and Ravna planina can be seen. Beech and fir forests dominate the slopes. These details give the landscape a different focus from the specific walking times: here, the mountain ridge, forest and views take centre stage.

The Goč-Gvozdac forest complex is a category II nature reserve. The area encompasses almost the entire catchment area of the Gvozdačka River, which is called Brezanska reka in its lower reaches. Goč’s main watercourse is also called Gvozdačka and is known as Brezanska reka in its lower reaches. Its catchment area covers 43.75 km² and contains more than 110 recorded springs.

The artificial Lake Selište is at Gvozdac and is one of the main symbols of Mount Goč. The summit view and the lake therefore offer different landscape highlights: views of Goč and Ravna planina on the one hand, and the water at Gvozdac on the other.

At Lake Selište, all activities that could endanger the cleanliness of the water are strictly prohibited. Since this rule appears on an undated tourism page, it is best to confirm it locally. An asphalt road ends above the lake at the Gočka reka River, at an elevation of 1,080 m. The endpoint is therefore described as being above the lake. Road conditions may change.

The old access road via Stanišinci to Mount Goč is less steep and has no hairpin bends. Winter conditions may affect the drive. The mountain also has two ski runs and a small ski lift that can be used to teach non-skiers and children. A floodlit ski run allows for night skiing. These are seasonal offerings; operating conditions may vary.

Mount Goč is home to the burial site of Saxon miners known as the “Roman graveyard.” During the rule of the Nemanjić dynasty, they mined and smelted iron ore. This adds a historical dimension to the forests, water and hiking trails.

The mountain’s culinary offerings include restaurants with fish ponds and the famous Goč trout. The availability of individual restaurants may vary; check before making plans. If you are comparing accommodation, the different highlights can help you choose: a challenging ridge trail, shorter hiking trails, scenery or seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations: Gradac, Tutin, Rast, Rudno, Stanišinci, Plešin, Metikoš, Lopatnica.

How long do the hiking trails on Mount Goč take?

The loop trail from the Goč Centre to Lake Selište is estimated to take approximately one and a half to two hours. “Selište Lake Small” and the trail to Krst Peak each take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Conditions may vary by season.

Where does the “Grebenska ‘Ljukten’” ridge trail start?

It starts in Goč village at 1,030 m and ends in Mitrovo Polje at 680 m. The trail is challenging and partly developed. The route page was last checked in April 2015; check the conditions before setting out.

What rule applies at Lake Selište?

Activities that could endanger the cleanliness of the water are strictly prohibited. Confirm the rule locally before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Raška District.