Get ready for an adventure in one of Croatia’s most stunning natural wonders: Manojlovac Waterfall. Tucked away in the lush forests of Krka National Park, this hidden gem offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With crystal-clear pools and breathtaking views, Manojlovački waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and power of nature.
What is Manojlovac Waterfall
Manojlovac Waterfall (also referred to as Manojlovački Waterfall) is one of the lesser known waterfalls located in the Krka National Park. The waterfall is situated on the Manojlovac Stream, which flows into the Krka River. It is on the northern side of the park, near the archaeological site of Burnum – which is also worth visiting – about 45km north of the Park’s main sight Skradinski Buk.
Manojlovac is the highest waterfall in the park, with a total height of 59.6 meters (195 feet) distributed on different levels. The water cascades down from a rocky cliff, creating a stunning display of power and beauty.
A scenic hiking trail leads visitors to Manojlovački waterfall, winding through lush vegetation and offering stunning views. While the trail is well-maintained for the first part, reaching the waterfalls and pools requires a bit more effort. But it’s worth it for an unforgettable experience in Krka National Park’s natural beauty.
We can say that there are two main areas where you can swim and enjoy the waterfalls, as well as two main waterfalls: the upper falls and the lower falls.
The upper falls
As you can see in the drone shot below, there is a trail located on the left side of the waterfall that provides a great view of the falls. However, it’s important to note that this trail is fenced off to prevent access to the pools below the falls.
If you’re looking to take a dip in those crystal-clear waters, you’ll need to be a bit more adventurous and hike down an unofficial path beyond the fence.
The lower falls
These are arguably the most stunning falls at Manojlovački. Once you reach them, you can stand much closer to the water, and taking a refreshing swim in the pools is a truly adventurous experience. The water is crystal-clear and invigorating, making it the perfect spot to cool off after a hike.
Similar to the upper falls, reaching the pools below the lower falls requires following an unofficial trail. This path includes passing through an abandoned building and trekking on a steep terrain, but overall, it’s a doable adventure. More information on this exciting trek can be found in the next chapter.
How to get to Manojlovac Waterfall
Manojlovački Waterfall is located about 45km (50minutes) north of Skradinski Buk, 52km (1h) north of Sibenik or 90km (1h15m) east of Zadar. The best way to reach it is by car, and there is a free parking located at the entrance of the fall.
As you can notice from the map above, the trail leading to the falls splits soon after the ticket office. If you keep the right (yellow trail) you reach a viewpoint referred to as “Vidikovac” (viewpoint in Croatian) on google maps. If you turn left (light blue path) instead, you will hike down towards the waterfalls.
Trail to the viewpoint
The trail leading to the viewpoint (Vidikovac) at Manojlovac waterfall is straightforward and easy to navigate. The path is almost flat with a slight incline down, and it’s just 350 meters (0.22 miles) long. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of both the upper falls (hidden by the forest) and the lower falls.
The waterfalls may appear small, but that’s only because you see them from a great distance. It’s also important to note that the path to the viewpoint doesn’t lead anywhere else, and you will need to retrace your steps back to the main trail after taking in the breathtaking views.
Trail to the waterfalls
The trail leading to Manojlovac waterfall is partially paved and well-maintained. It is approximately 700 meters (0.43 miles) long, but the incline is quite steep as you need to hike all the way down the gorge. The negative elevation difference is about 150 meters (492 feet), which can be challenging for some visitors.
To access the lower falls of Manojlovac, you will need to keep an eye out for an abandoned building located on the right side of the main trail. While it may seem a bit sketchy, you need to go inside the building and walk through the small window that can be seen in the images below.
This will lead to an unofficial trail that can be challenging, but the reward of experiencing the breathtaking pools below the lower falls is well worth it.
Behind the window, the trail passes through some dense forest on a steep path. You will also find a rope to help you get down the steepest part. Soon after, the views open up on the river and the waterfall is just a few meters away.
As you can see Manojlovac waterfall offers a unique and adventurous experience that sets it apart from Skradinski Buk within Krka National Park. While Skradinski Buk has become more of a “family-oriented destination”, Manojlovac waterfall still retains its adventurous feel. The hike to the falls is challenging but rewarding, and the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear pools below the falls is an unforgettable experience.
Loop trail back to the entrance
If you continue walking at the end of the trail to the waterfall, you will be able to go up following the path marked with black on our map. We don’t recommend this trail unless you’re ready for a true adventure, but it’s doable and it will bring you back to the top. Can you spot Annika in the picture below?
The trail is unofficial, not marked and there are no protections on the side, but it looks more dangerous than it actually is.
Manojlovac Waterfall Entrance Fee
To visit Manojlovac waterfall in Krka National Park, you will need to purchase a regular ticket for the park. This ticket grants you access to all areas of the park, including the hiking trails and waterfalls.
Krka National Park offers a variety of ticket options, with prices varying depending on the time of year. You can check out the details for all ticket options on our dedicated post about the Krka National Park.
Anyways, there is an info-point at the entrance of Manojlovac waterfall where it is possible to purchase tickets.
What to bring
Manojlovački waterfall is in a pretty remote part of Croatia, but don’t worry, you can still find a few bars and restaurants along the main road, every few kilometers. Just remember that there are no cafes or shops at the waterfall itself, so bring anything you need with you. Some snacks and water will come in handy (especially during the hot summer days), so you can fully enjoy your visit to Manojlovački waterfall without any worries.
When it comes to clothing, it is important to wear proper hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the time of year. The terrain can be uneven and steep, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is a must.
If you’re planning to swim in the pools below Manojlovac waterfall, bring spare clothes, a towel, and water shoes if you have them. The water can be chilly even in the summer, so having something dry to change into is a good idea. Flip flops will be pretty useless here.
Hi. We would like to make the black trail, but then from the Burnum. Is it easy to find?
Hey Alex,
Well, the black trail is much easier to find and follow on the way up. However, coming down from Burnum, the first section near the edge has thick vegetation, and the path might be more challenging to spot. Since the trail isn’t marked, we wouldn’t recommend taking it on the way down unless you’re certain of the path you’re following.
Cheers