Malý Stožec is a striking phonolite ridge in the Lusatian Mountains, rising to 659 m just 1.5 km southwest of Jedlová. It's a compact but rewarding summit for hikers who love bare rock, hidden crevices, and a touch of local legend.

The rocky summit is formed by an exposed phonolite wall with irregular columnar jointing, tilted and forming dramatic overhangs on its southeastern side. Tucked into the flank of the summit rock is a slanted crevice known as the Komora cave — originally named after Fridolín Rauch, a hermit who once lived there. From the highest outcrop, on a clear day, you can spot the Chřibská reservoir in the distance. The summit rocks are mostly wooded, limiting views except toward nearby Jedlová. Interestingly, the ridge running toward Jedlová marks the main watershed between the Baltic and North Seas. Seen from the northwest, the mountain's profile resembles a human face, earning it the nicknames Face Mountain or Giant's Mountain.

How to reach the summit

• From the saddle between Malý Stožec and Jedlová — yellow-marked trail running from Chřibská to the Jedlová railway stop (line 081), short and easy-to-moderate approach
• From the saddle (565 m), a yellow-marked spur trail leads directly to the highest summit rocks, crossing a steep scree field in its upper section

Practical information

• The upper part of the trail crosses a steep boulder/scree field — sturdy footwear recommended
• The summit rock hides the Komora cave, a slanted crevice tied to the story of hermit Fridolín Rauch

Fun fact: the mountain's unusual face-like profile, best seen from the northwest, has given it two evocative nicknames still used by local hikers today — Face Mountain and Giant's Mountain.