Dřínová Nature Reserve is a small but distinctive spot within the Moravian Karst, protecting rare stands of cornelian cherry that thrive right where limestone meets Brno volcanic rock. It's the kind of place hikers stumble upon while crossing the ridge above Babice nad Svitavou and end up wanting to linger.

The reserve covers the southern slope of the hill Nad Střelčím (527 m) near the village of Babice nad Svitavou. The terrain is gently undulating, with a warm, sheltered microclimate that supports the cornelian cherry thickets after which the reserve is named. In spring the shrubs bloom bright yellow before the leaves emerge, while autumn brings a mellow, russet palette to the slopes. Views open up toward the surrounding hills of the Moravian Karst, and the whole area has a quiet, almost secluded feel away from the busier show-cave trails.

How to get there

• Dřínová path (lower boundary of the reserve) - yellow-marked trail, runs along the contour line, easy difficulty
• Šutrovaná path near the upper boundary - green-marked trail, follows roughly the ridge of the hill, moderate difficulty
• Both routes are connected by an unmarked path leading from the foresters' memorials to the junction near Alexander's Lookout Tower, just west of the reserve

Practical information

• The reserve protects natural cornelian cherry stands growing at the contact zone of limestone and Brno volcanic rock
• It lies within the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Moravský kras)
• Total area of the reserve is 28.85 hectares

The reserve takes its name from the Dřínová path connecting Adamov and Babice nad Svitavou, which forms its lower boundary - a fitting namesake for a place built entirely around one modest, golden-flowering shrub.