Kelčský Javorník, Mountain summit in Hostýnské vrchy, Czech Republic
Kelčský Javorník is the highest peak of the Hostýnské vrchy mountain range, rising to 865 meters above sea level. The entire summit and slopes are covered in thick forest that extends all the way to the top.
The northern slope was placed under protection in 1976, establishing a 122-hectare nature reserve. This designation preserved the original forest ecosystem that still covers the mountain today.
The peak's name comes from the nearby town of Kelč and refers to the maple trees that thrive throughout the surrounding forest. These trees shape the woodland landscape, especially when leaves change color in autumn.
Several marked hiking trails connect the summit to villages at the mountain's base, including Příkazy, Osíčko, and Komárno on the northern side. Visitors should come prepared for dense forest coverage throughout the hike and bring navigation tools like maps or GPS devices.
The summit is completely covered by forest, which means there are no open views from the top like many other peaks in the region offer. This unusual feature makes it far less visited than neighboring summits that provide panoramic vistas.
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