The Iron Gates Natural Park (Portile de Fier )  occupies an area of 115,665 hectares (285,790 acres).

The park follows the Danube along the southern side of the Carpathian Mountains.  There are numerous modern hotels along the trajectory.  To cycle from Moldova-Noua to Orsova through the breathtaking scenery is highly recommended.  At some points the Danube is only 120m wide and 60m deep.  The bust of Decebal carved into the rocks is a main attraction.  There is a series of marked walks, e.g. the walk to the basalt formations in Trescovat.  There are many available routes for mountain bikers also, in particular the route from Liubcova via the Czech village Ravensca (Rovensko) to Sopotu Nou is recommended.  There are virtually unlimited possibilities. 

The Cheile Nerei – Beusnita Nationaal Park covers an area of 36,758 hectares (90,831 acres) consisting of a karst mountain region split by the Nera river. 

The Nera gorge gives rise to some of the most picturesque walking routes available in Romania with many ridges and tunnels carved into the mountainsides (dating from Roman times).  The area recently gained extra prestige as the Bigar waterfall was designated by World Geography as the most beautiful waterfall in the world.  About 20km further into the reserve from Sasca Română lie the Beusnita waterfalls, also well worth visiting.

The Semenic – Cheile Carasului Nationaal Park covers an area of 36,665 hectares (90,601 acres) with limitless hiking and cycling routes.

There are rugged gulleys, caves, sink holes and expansive beech forests.  The mountain bike route from Valiug Crivaia (plenty of boarding possibilities) past the Nera springs to Borlovenii-Veche which includes a historic paved path (around 40km) through pristine natural landscapes is particularly worthwhile. 

The Domogled – Valea Cernei Nationaal Park covers an area of 61,200 hectares (151,228 acres) of which 44,500 hectares (109,961 acres) is forested.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

There are deep ravines carved by the Cerna river, limestone peaks, caves and waterfalls.  Sulphur fumes escape through rock fissures close to the spa at Baile Herculane.  This volcanic activity also gives rise to hot springs.  The area has an enourmously rich variety of fauna and many rare species can be found.  The park is most easily accessed from Baile Herculane.  Hotels, hostels, camping sites and restaurants can be found nearby.  In the national park itself there is little infrastructure and few marked routes however the experienced hiker can journey for days using gps-routes and/or a compass.  To the north of the park lie the Godeanu and Tarcu mountains with peaks ranging up to 2292m.