Novopacký vodopád

Novopacký vodopád is a scenic waterfall near the village of Vidochov, in the Nová Paka area of the Podkrkonoší region, protected as a natural monument of the Czech Republic. It lies within the Sýkornice forest complex, in the cadastral territory of Stupná, roughly 3.4 km east of the center of Nová Paka.

How to get there?

Several marked hiking trails converge near the waterfall, making it easy to plan a route that fits your itinerary. A blue trail runs from the village of Vrchovina, a red trail connects Nová Paka with Stupná with forest paths branching off directly toward the ravine, and a green trail leads from Štikov past the Elixír života spring, overlapping with the well-marked Sýkornice educational trail that helps with orientation and explains the local nature along the way. The surrounding terrain sits at an elevation of 430–480 meters, in the gently rolling landscape typical of the Podkrkonoší foothills.

What will you see?

Novopacký vodopád is actually a system of two waterfalls set in a narrow, forested ravine. The upper waterfall, located at the edge of the forest, is about 4 meters high and is the most distinctive feature of the whole site. The falls are often referred to as the Sýkornice waterfalls, after the nature park in which they lie, and their main appeal comes from the unusual shape of the rock ledge, which forms a visible overhang that the water pours over. Dense forest surrounds the ravine, and the stream running through it gives the place the feel of a wild, largely untouched corner of nature — a rarity in this part of the Czech Republic.

When should you visit?

The waterfall is at its most impressive in spring, during the snowmelt, when water levels in the stream are highest and the flow is most dramatic. During other seasons, especially in summer after long dry spells, the amount of water can drop significantly. If seeing the falls at full strength matters to you, plan your trip for early spring or after a period of heavy rain.

What should you know before visiting?

Because the area is protected as a natural monument, standard nature-conservation rules apply — it's best to stick to the marked trails and the Sýkornice educational path rather than wandering off into the ravine itself. The surrounding forest and uneven terrain make sturdy hiking shoes a good idea, particularly after rain, when the paths can get slippery. The waterfall pairs well with a longer day trip through the Podkrkonoší region, for example combined with a visit to Nová Paka itself.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Novopacký vodopád located? It lies within the Sýkornice forest complex, in the cadastral territory of Stupná in the municipality of Vidochov, about 3.4 km east of Nová Paka, at an elevation of 430–480 meters.

How tall is the waterfall? The upper waterfall, at the edge of the forest, stands about 4 meters tall; the full system consists of two waterfalls within the same ravine.

How do you reach the waterfall? Access routes include a blue trail from Vrchovina, a red trail from Nová Paka via Stupná, a green trail from Štikov, and the well-marked Sýkornice educational trail.

When is the best time to see the waterfall at its fullest? Spring, during the snowmelt period, is the best time, when water flow is highest and the falls are at their most dramatic.