Babia Góra — the Queen of the Beskids — rises to 1724 m and stands as the highest peak in the Polish Western Beskids, towering some 200 to 600 metres above its surrounding ridges. Its main summit, Diablak (meaning Devil's Peak), is a wild, exposed crown of boulders that rewards every hiker with a truly Carpathian experience.

The panorama from the top is breathtaking: the Tatra Mountains shimmer on the southern horizon on both the Polish and Slovak sides, while to the north you can spot the Beskid ranges stretching to the horizon. In the east lie the Gorce and the broad Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin. Winter transforms the summit into an almost Arctic landscape — icy boulders, fierce winds, and total solitude make it feel like a completely different mountain.

• Markowe Szczawiny refuge (1180 m) — red trail (Main Beskid Trail), approx. 1 h 30 min, moderate
• Markowe Szczawiny — Perć Akademików route — blue trail, approx. 1 h 15 min, demanding (exposed rocky sections)
• Jałowiecka Pass — via Mała Babia Góra and Brona Pass — yellow/red trail, approx. 2 h 25 min, moderate
• From the Slovak side: Chata Slaná voda hut — red trail, approx. 3 h 25 min, moderate

• The summit lies within Babia Góra National Park — staying on marked trails is mandatory
• The Perć Akademików route is closed in winter and early spring due to safety risks
• Avalanche risk exists on certain trail sections in winter
• PTTK refuge at Markowe Szczawiny offers accommodation and meals right on the approach trail
• Babia Góra National Park has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977
• Mountain rescue (GOPR) is based at the Markowe Szczawiny refuge

Babia Góra is the only massif in the Polish Beskids to feature a natural alpine zone — its flora of over 600 vascular plant species makes it a botanical wonder. According to legend, the name 'Babia' traces back to an ancient Slavic deity, Baba, revered as the mother-nurturer.