Situated on the southern slopes of the Parâng Mountains, at 1600 meters above sea level, Rânca is the highest tourist resort in Romania. Rânca tourist area has a great tourist and sport potential, being considered the center of hiking in Parâng. It is crossed by DN 67C, Transalpina, which is the highest road in Romania, with its highest point in the Urdele Pass (at 2,145 m). Access to Rânca is via the Transalpina, or DN 67C Bengești (Gorj) – Șugag (Alba), a modernised and well-maintained road to the resort even in winter. In winter, however, the Transalpina is closed and you can only climb to Rânca from Novaci.
Mountain trails near Rânca In the Rânca area, the scenery is truly superb, and the mountain trails in this area can conquer even the most demanding tourists with their beauty.
- Rânca Hut – Păpușa Peak – Curmătura Oltețului. Marking: red triangle, road and unmarked path. Walking time: 5 hours.
- Rânca Hut – Urdele Mountain – Iezerul Valley – Obârșia Lotrului Hut. Marking: red triangle, red stripe, then red triangle. Walking time: 7 hours.
- Novaci – Gilortului Valley – Rânca Hut. The route goes along the forest roads of the Gilortului Valley. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
- Novaci – Cerbu Mountain – Rânca Hut. Marking: red triangle. Walking time: 4-5 hours.
- Baia de Fier – Peștera Muierii hut. Marking: route on upgraded road. Walking time: 45 minutes
- Voievodu Hut – Poiana Muierii – Obârșia Lotrului Hut. Marking: red triangle. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
- Obârșia Lotrului hut – Groapa Seacă – Vârful Capra – Poiana Muierii – Voievodul hut. Marking: Road, then unmarked path, then red triangle. Walking time: 9-10 hours.
- Câlcescu Lake – Piatra Tăiată – Mohorul Peak – Păpușa Mountain – Rânca Hut. Marking: red tape, red triangle, then road. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
- Curmătura Oltețului – Cheile Oltețului – Polovragi. Unmarked path, forest road. Walking time: 5 hours.
