Kanyona na vodopadite

The Canyon of Waterfalls (Kanyona na Vodopadite) eco-trail is one of the most scenic, popular, and breathtaking hiking routes in Bulgaria. Established in 2003 and fully renovated in 2013, the trail offers an unforgettable mountain adventure in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. The route passes directly through the pristine Soskovcheto Nature Reserve and its official buffer zone. Along the canyon, hikers can observe rare plant and animal species with high conservation status, majestic rhyolite rock formations with unique shapes, and dense coniferous forests with an average age of over 100 years. The trail winds along both banks of the scenic Gerzovska River. For the convenience of tourists, numerous wooden bridges, panoramic gazebos, picnic shelters, drinking fountains, and restrooms have been built. All steep or challenging sections are well secured with sturdy handrails and wooden steps, making the trail fully accessible for people of all age groups. The Orpheus Waterfall and Water Cascades A total of 46 waterfalls are scattered along the course of the mountain river. Visitors will be amazed by the dozens of water cascades, rapids, and streams. The largest and most iconic among them is the majestic Orpheus Waterfall, which boasts an impressive cascade height of nearly 70 meters. The waterfall is named after the mythical Rhodopean musician Orpheus due to the visual resemblance between the thin streams of water trickling down the rock face and the strings of the legendary Orpheus lyre. Three panoramic viewing platforms are built along the trail, offering unforgettable views of the wild, inaccessible slopes of the reserve covered with ancient forests, as well as the city of Smolyan. Known as the pearl in the heart of the Rhodopes, Smolyan is located just a few kilometers away from the trailhead. Hiking Options and Trail Layout The official trail begins immediately after the Visitor Information Center. Hikers can choose between two primary route configurations: - Circular Route (Classic Loop): The most popular choice for a day trip. Hikers begin and end their trek at the exact same point at the Visitor Information Center, completing a loop that passes by all the main waterfalls. - Linear Route (Extended Trek): The path continues upward out of the canyon, providing a direct hiking connection to the high-mountain Perelik Hut and the highest peak in the Rhodope Mountains - Mount Perelik. From there, well-prepared hikers can extend their trek to neighboring cultural and natural landmarks, such as the historic village of Gela, the mystical Lednitsata Cave, the isolated village of Mugla, the Chairski Lakes, and other destinations. Reserve Regulations and Visitor Information Since the eco-trail is located within a strictly protected nature reserve, strict environmental rules apply. It is completely prohibited to deviate from the marked tourist path, disturb wild animals, or pick mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and mountain flowers. Lighting fires is strictly restricted and may only be done at specially designated and secured picnic areas. The Visitor Center at the trailhead does not operate year-round. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check its current working hours in advance by contacting the main Tourist Information Center in the city of Smolyan.