Kastrakliy Reserve, often called Kastrakli, lies in the Western Rhodopes, in the lands of the village of Borino, about 20 km from Devin. It was declared in 1968 and covers 129.18 ha.
The reserve protects a virgin, old black pine forest; in places the trees are more than 200 years old. Beech and hornbeam grow alongside the black pine. The reserve lies between 900 and 1,290 m above sea level, in very broken ground cut by many streams. Botanists have recorded more than 330 species of higher plants, among them rare, endemic and relict species, and more than 150 medicinal plants. The area is in the Rodopi – Zapadni and Trigrad – Mursalitsa Natura 2000 sites.
All activity in the reserve is banned except guarding, scientific visits, walking on marked paths, and collecting seeds and specimens for science. We found no published visitor path through the reserve, so in practice entry is for scientific purposes only. For a walk nearby, choose the Devil's Eco Trail or the Eagle's Eye viewpoint.
The reserve is in the lands of the village of Borino, Borino municipality; Devin is about 20 km away.
Kastrakliy Reserve is located in Smolyan, Bulgaria.
Kastrakliy Reserve is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Kastrakliy Reserve is best walked from May through October, when the trail is clear of snow and weather is generally stable. Summer middays can be hot at lower altitudes — start early. Winter walking requires proper gear and route knowledge.
Suitability depends on the specific route. Bulgarian trails range from paved family-friendly paths to multi-day high-mountain crossings. Check the length, elevation gain, and surface before setting off. Sturdy footwear, water, and a basic map (offline or paper) are essential even on short walks.
