Malá Smrekovica (1,486 m a.s.l.) is a rewarding peak in the north-eastern part of the Veľká Fatra range in Slovakia, sitting right on the main ridge that connects some of the area's best hiking terrain. It may be forested at the top, but the journey along the ridge and the surprisingly lively mountain saddle below make this a genuinely enjoyable destination.

The summit belongs to the so-called Hôľná Fatra section of Veľká Fatra and is wrapped in forest on all sides. Between the main peak and the lower southern summit (1,368 m) lies an open, treeless saddle that feels almost like a small mountain village — there is a recreational centre with hotel 'Granit', a pond with a fountain, a children's playground and a volleyball court. A second hotel, 'Smrekovica', stands further along the ridge toward Skalná Alpa. The area once had wide alpine meadows; today they are slowly being reclaimed by forest. The south-eastern ridge falls outside the Veľká Fatra National Park, though a nature reserve called Matejkovský kamenný prúd protects part of it. The north-western ridge is fully within the national park, with an additional protected zone named Jánošíkova kolkáreň covering its forested slopes.

• Ružomberok — blue trail (main ridge route), section to hotel 'Smrekovica': 18.3 km, 1,265 m ascent, approx. 6 h, demanding
• Podsuchá village (Vyšné Matejkovo valley) — green trail, 8 km, 775 m ascent, approx. 2 h 45 min up, moderate; paved road leads to Podsuchá, free parking at the recreation centre
• From the saddle between the two summits — yellow connecting trail down to Ľubochnianska valley

• Free parking is available at the recreation centre on the saddle.
• A paved road runs from Podsuchá village through Vyšné Matejkovo valley to the centre — you can drive up.
• The summit and both ridges are entirely forested — do not expect panoramic views from the top.
• The blue trail is shared with mountain bikers (MTB).

The curious name 'Jánošíkova kolkáreň' in the protected forest zone is a nod to Juraj Jánošík, the legendary Slovak outlaw hero said to have roamed these very mountain ridges centuries ago.