摘要：The paper presents the results of studies of geomorphological processes in the surroundings of tourist paths withan effect on vegetation and soil conditions in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Tatra Mts. Hiking paths at the local levelrepresent a significant factor for increasing efficiency of sheet wash and concentrated runoff and subsequent intensive deeperosion. They can interrupt continuous surface runoff and operate as the local base of erosion base for a part of the slopeover them, with gravitational effect of surface runoff from rainfall and melting snow water, which increases the effect ofslope denudation. The base of erosion of the paths increases the potential of gravitational failures and decreases the soil-debriscover stability. In these conditions, the development of slope movements accelerated evidently. Morphologically, hikingpath can influence the accumulation of snow layers and creates the conditions for persistent snowfields. Blocking effect ofthe paths is also reflected in a slowdown and the subsequent accumulation of snow mass by snow creep, snow sliding andsnow mass gliding. Hiking paths may be a part of areas with development of aeolian-deflational processes and associated destructionsof the soil-debris cover.
