Distance: 7Km
Elevation: 300m
Difficulty: 2
1. Introduction
The Culmea Cucuieți trail is part of the Via Bacovia network and proposes a balanced incursion between recreational hiking and exploration of a particularly valuable protected natural area – the Culmea Cucuieți natural area, in Bacău County.
With a total length (round-trip) of about 7 km, a difference in level of about 300 m and a medium degree of difficulty, the route is suitable for regular hikers looking for an authentic experience in nature, with wide views of the hills in the eastern part of the county.
The route follows forest and open roads and is relatively easy to follow. In spring, summer and late summer, some stretches of the trail may be overgrown.
2. General description
The route is a round-trip, 3.5km per segment, totalling 7km (approximately) starting from Strada pe Vale, Buhoci and climbs to the ridge on Dealu Mare, above the protected area. The undulating topography and the succession of glades, deciduous forests and open sectors offer a particular landscape variety.
Along the way, the trail alternates between compact beech and oak-oak forests, fragments of alpine hilly vegetation and belvedere areas towards the Siret valley.
3. Recommendations for browsing
Equipment: hiking boots, sufficient water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
Recommended season: spring, summer and autumn, when the greenery provides contrast and the light is soft.
The route is well laid out, but orientation can be difficult in wooded areas – we recommend downloading the GPX file.
Follow the rules for visiting protected areas: no littering, disturbing wildlife or collecting plants.
4. Cucuieți Ridge Protected Area
4.1 Status and localisation
Culmea Cucuieți (ROSCI0351) is a protected natural area of site of Community importance, part of the Natura 2000 network, located in Bacău County.
The total area is about 6 499 ha and the region belongs to the continental biogeographical zone.
The site was officially declared a protected area in 2016, having the role of conserving valuable forest habitats and species characteristic of the East-Carpathian hilly area.
4.2 Habitats and species
Cucuieți Ridge is home to a mosaic of representative ecosystems:
Beech forests (Asperulo-Fagetum) – about 2 400 ha.
Dacian oak and hornbeam forests (91Y0) – about 1 700 ha.
Alluvial forests with alder and ash (91E0, 91F0) – limited but ecologically valuable areas.
Fauna includes species protected at European level:
Bombina bombina (red-bellied puffin),
Bombina variegata (yellow-bellied yellow-bellied burbot),
Triturus cristatus (crested newt),
and the Coleoptera Morimus asper funereus, an indicator of old-growth forests.
4.3 Ecological and landscape value
The Cucuieți Ridge is a natural corridor linking the ecosystems of the Siret area with those of the sub-Carpathian hills. In addition to its ecological role, it offers a valuable visual and educational experience: mature forests, bright glades, transition zones and sweeping views over the valleys.
5. Significance of the route
Through this route, Via Bacovia emphasises an important segment of the natural heritage of Bacău County. The Cucuieți Ridge is not just a walk on the hills, but a form of responsible connection with nature – an experience that combines movement, observation and respect for the environment.
Traseul Culmea Cucuieti
Warning: this route is not marked!
Download GPX
