The national nature reserve was established in 1981 in the cadastral area Smolenice in order to secure protection of preserved forest communities living on various types of rocks. The mountain pass represents the most typical above ground karst structure of Smolenice Karst. It is a canyon-like valley with the depth of 100 m. The pass is formed from Mesozoic limestones with steep crags and the only waterfall within the mountain range called Padlá voda (it formed on a nine-metre long rock terrace and emerges only during the period when there is an increased amount of water in the environment) and Driny Cave. The forest covers forest communities with various fauna and flora species and occurrence of several protected species. Owing to its rich variety of species of xerophytic and thermophylic flora and fauna and karst forms, the national nature reserve should also serve scientific, educative, cultural and pedagogical purposes. The area of national nature reserve is 123.07 ha. The Educational Trail Smolenice Karst is a blue tourist route leading through this territory.

 

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