Čierna is a quiet, understated peak in the central part of the Kozie chrbty range, rising above the village of Vikartovce, roughly 5 km southwest of Svit. There is no marked trail leading directly to the summit, which makes it a rewarding destination for hikers who enjoy a bit of off-path exploration and solitude.

The mountain is covered by patchy forest interspersed with cleared areas, and from several spots you can enjoy limited but rewarding views of the surrounding Kozie chrbty summits and the nearby Low Tatras, as well as, on clear days, the Chočské vrchy, the Western and High Tatras, and the Levoča Hills. In summer the forest offers welcome shade on the climb, while in winter the slopes turn into a peaceful, snow-covered landscape far from the crowds.

How to reach the summit

• Vikartovce - a green-marked trail runs through the Tabličky saddle toward Svit; reaching the summit itself requires leaving the marked path, moderate difficulty
• Lučivná - a yellow-marked trail follows the Veľká Lopušná valley along the western foot of the mountain to the Jakubčáková junction above Vikartovce

Practical information

• No marked hiking trail leads to the summit itself, so good orientation skills are needed
• The nearest marked routes pass through the Tabličky saddle and the Veľká Lopušná valley

The area is drained by the Lopušná stream, part of the Poprad river basin, and Čierna forms part of the Dúbrava geomorphological subunit within the Kozie chrbty range.