Borový vodopád

Borový vodopád is the tallest waterfall in the Šumperk district, tucked into the forest above Kouty nad Desnou, part of the municipality of Loučná nad Desnou in the Jeseníky Mountains. The cascade on the Borový stream (also known as the Medvědí stream, or "Bear stream") drops 8.3 meters at the foot of Medvědí hora, at an elevation of roughly 840 meters.

How to get there?

The usual starting point is the village of Kouty nad Desnou. From there, follow the blue-marked trail upstream along the Divoká Desná river for about 1.5 kilometers, then leave the trail, cross a footbridge, and continue upstream along the Borový stream. From that turnoff, it's only around a 10-minute walk on a forest path to reach the falls. No marked tourist trail actually leads to the waterfall itself, which keeps the spot noticeably quieter than the region's better-known attractions — it's entirely possible to have the falls to yourself. Access is free and unrestricted, with no ticket booth or entry fee.

What will you see?

Water first runs over a rocky bed before launching into a free fall over a rock overhang. It shatters against the fractured stone below, splits into several streams, and briefly regroups before sliding down the rock again. During higher water levels, an extra, narrower branch appears, rejoining the main flow only at the base of the falls — so the waterfall's appearance shifts noticeably with the season and recent rainfall. Below the main drop, the stream continues as a series of smaller cascades that, after another stretch of roughly fifteen meters, end in a further two-meter step. The result is not a single leap of water but an entire cascade system carved into the rocky ravine of the Borový stream, a tributary of the Divoká Desná.

The surroundings are dense, largely untouched mountain forest on the southern slopes of the Dlouhé stráně massif, so the walk leads through a quiet, wild corner of the Jeseníky range, away from the region's main trails and viewpoints.

When to visit?

The best time to come is spring, right after the snowmelt, or after a stretch of heavy rain — that's when flow is at its strongest and the waterfall looks most dramatic, complete with its extra side branch. In summer, during drier spells, the water volume can drop noticeably. It's worth pairing the walk to Borový vodopád with a stop at the Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage reservoirs — two enormous man-made lakes nearby that rank among the area's top attractions. Sturdy hiking boots are a good idea, since the final stretch follows a narrow, sometimes damp, unmarked path.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Borový vodopád? The main drop measures 8.3 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in the Šumperk district. Below it, smaller cascades lead to an additional two-meter step.

Is there a marked trail to the waterfall? No — you need to leave the blue trail along the Divoká Desná, cross a footbridge, and follow the Borový stream for about 10 minutes. The lack of marking keeps the site relatively uncrowded.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The village of Kouty nad Desnou, part of Loučná nad Desnou, is the most convenient starting point for the route described above.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage reservoirs — two large artificial lakes — sit close by and can easily be combined with a visit to the waterfall in a single day out in the Jeseníky Mountains.