Blato (1,138 m) is a quiet, forested peak in the Skorušina Mountains, rising above the village of Malé Borové in northern Slovakia. It's a great pick for hikers who prefer solitude and untouched forest trails over crowded summits.

The summit area is almost entirely covered by dense forest, occasionally broken up by clear-cuts that open up surprising views. On clear days, hikers can spot the surrounding Skorušina Mountains, Chočské vrchy, and the Western Tatras, and under good conditions even the Malá and Veľká Fatra, Low Tatras, Oravská Magura, and Oravské Beskydy ranges. In winter the slopes are peaceful and snow-covered, in summer shaded by thick forest, and in autumn the mix of deciduous and spruce trees turns the whole ridge into a patchwork of colors.

How to reach the summit

• From Oravský Biely Potok - red trail along the main ridge via Kopec, moderate difficulty
• From Malé Borové (southwest) - red trail along the main ridge, moderate difficulty
• From Podbiel - blue trail via Kopec

Practical information

• No marked trail leads directly to the summit of Blato - the red trail only passes through a nearby saddle, so reaching the actual top requires a short unmarked detour
• Views are limited to spots where clear-cuts break through the otherwise continuous forest cover

Blato forms part of a long ridge stretching from Mních through Kopec to Lysec, making it a natural stop for those tackling a longer ridge traverse through the Skorušina Mountains.