Smerekowa (1,013 m a.s.l.) is the third highest peak in the Pieniny mountains and a hidden gem on the Polish-Slovak border. It may not dominate the skyline, but it offers a rewarding mix of rugged rock, ancient forest and sweeping mountain views well off the beaten track.

The northern face of the summit is rocky and features a striking split — a narrow cleft that cuts right through the rock, making for a memorable moment on the trail. The southern slopes are draped in forest, giving the summit an atmospheric, almost secretive feel. On clear days the views from the top stretch across the Tatra mountains and the Beskid Sądecki range. Just below the summit on the Polish side lies the lovely open meadow of Zaskalskie — a perfect spot to rest and soak in the scenery. Whether you visit in the lush greens of summer or the golden colours of autumn, the ridge walk here is genuinely beautiful.

• Jaworki village (Małopolska region, southern Poland) — blue trail along the ridge of the Małe Pieniny, passing through Szafranówka, Łaźne Skały, Cyrhle, Wysoki Wierch, Durbaszka and Vysoká — moderate difficulty. Note: the marked trail does not cross the actual summit of Smerekowa but passes along its northern side.

• The summit itself sits on the Slovak side of the Polish-Slovak border, which runs across the peak.
• The Slovak slopes are protected as the Kamieňské Tisy nature reserve (20.3 ha), part of the Pieniny National Park (PIENAP) since 1997 — nature protection rules apply.

The name 'Smerekowa' comes from the Rusyn word 'smerek', meaning spruce — a reminder of the rich, multicultural heritage of this corner of the Carpathians, already recorded on Geppert's map from 1810–1812.