Ecological trails

Join the hikers and discover the charms and variety of Bulgaria's trails • A hiking festival

With the richness of its biodiversity and the multiple facets of its nature, Bulgaria is a true paradise for lovers of beautiful landscapes and ecological tourism.

All conditions are met for walks, hikes, observation of birds, animals and plants.

Here are some of the many ecological trails you can take in Bulgaria.

Struilitsa eco-trail

If you like spending time close to nature, walking around waterfalls and crossing wooden bridges over mountain streams, the Struilitsa eco trail near Devin is the perfect place to visit.

The eco trail stretches along the Devin River in the Rhodope Mountains and is an excellent place for a picnic, with benches, special barbecue areas (the fire can only be lit there, it is prohibited elsewhere).

It is a hike particularly popular with tourists to enjoy the preserved nature and admire the magnificent waterfalls, including the beautiful Samodivsko waterfall, which is more than 50 meters high, making it one of the highest of its kind in the Rhodope Mountains.

The walk is pleasant and the path is well marked with several information panels giving details about the “Devinska River Valley” area and information about the animals that live here and the plants that grow around it.

The ecological trail is 4 km long and the round trip takes between 2 and 3 hours. The path is flat and therefore suitable for people of all ages.

The Waterfalls Canyon

The Canyon of Waterfalls trail is located near the town of Smoljan in the Soskovcheto Reserve in the Rhodope Mountains.

From the road follow the signs indicating “eco-trail”

To begin, you will pass the tourist information center before discovering the wonders of the canyon.

The Canyon of Waterfalls is a mix of 46 phenomenal isolated waterfalls.

The tallest and most popular is Orpheus. Culminating at 68 meters in height.

At higher altitudes, you'll find spectacular viewpoints of the falls and the Rhodope Mountains along the trail.

The eco-trail includes numerous wooden bridges that crisscross on both sides of the Elenska River.

Depending on your pace, the route can be completed in approximately 3 or 4 hours. Don’t forget your camera and your picnic basket and your water bottle.

You'll be delighted to find designated huts and benches along the way to enjoy a relaxing meal and rest in beautiful surroundings.

During the summer months, feel free to cool off with an invigorating swim in the Elenska River.

The eco-trail is well maintained and completely safe for all members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest.

However, make sure you wear comfortable and suitable shoes.

This is because the stones near the waterfalls can be slippery when wet, so be extremely careful.

To maximize your experience, it is recommended to visit the Canyon in early summer when water levels are at their peak or in mid-fall.

Trained tour guides are available to enlighten visitors with interesting folklore stories and historical information about these majestic falls and the surrounding mountains. Not only tour guides, but also naturalists. They will be eager to educate visitors about the life of the native plants and animals that inhabit the Soskovcheto Reserve.

Geopark Iskar – Panega

The Iskar – Panega Geological Park is a geopark managed by UNESCO.

It is located in northern Bulgaria near the municipality of Lukovit on the northern slope of the Balkans.

It consists of two sections: the Karlukovo karst complex which is located in the valley of the Iskar River, while the roadside landscape park “Panega” is located in the Zlatna Panega valley

In this region with karst relief, the meanders formed by the course of the river represent the ideal destination for ecotourism enthusiasts.

The place is famous for the specific blue color of the river as well as its rock formations dating back 100 million years and its amazing lush nature.

And more and more people come to visit and discover these unique landscapes.

The entire route is approximately 8 km long and will take approximately 2 hours each way with short breaks.

There are many small bridges and viewpoints which make the walk very pleasant.

Another must-see site in the region: the Prohodna cave nicknamed Eyes of God, so consider taking a detour to visit it.

Beli Iskar eco-trail

The trail is located in the Rila Mountain near the village of Beli Iskar, about a 5-minute drive from the town of Samokov.

The Beli Iskar eco-trail is an easy, relaxed and refreshing walk to enjoy the forest.

The trail winds among the stream of the Beli Iskar River, with nine wooden bridges built over the river.

The landscapes alternate from valleys with narrow gorges, interesting rock formations, old coniferous forests and the crystal clear waters of the river.

The Eagle Eye panoramic terrace located at around 1500 meters above sea level offers a beautiful view of the river gorges.

The length of the trail is approximately 9 km, which takes approximately 3 hours on a circular route.

The route can be a great choice for families with young children.

If you have enough time, you can organize a picnic in one of the designated areas.

Emen Canyon

The canyon is located in the northern part of the country, 25 km west of the nearest big city, Veliko Tarnovo.

Nature and time have created this canyon around the Negovanka River.

It is a true natural spectacle in the middle of the cliffs, the highest can reach 90 meters in height.

There you can discover a waterfall called “Momin Skok”, which is 10 meters high and has a beautiful swimming pool with crystal clear waters.

You can picnic, fish, hike there without disturbing the habitat. The eco-trail hike lasts approximately three hours.

The difficulty is medium level.

Remember to equip yourself with hiking shoes as well as warm and comfortable clothing suitable for this activity.

All along the way there are wooden bridges, steep cliffs, steep hills, and your caution on the trail will be rewarded with many picturesque views.

It is therefore a pleasant walk that awaits you at the edge of the canyon and in the heart of the forest in a calm environment.

Bulgaria is rich in nature and incredible ecological trails that are suitable for beginners and nature lovers.

So, add them to your list of things to do during your stay in Bulgaria and enjoy hiking closer to nature along these many picturesque trails.

We wish you a good trip in Bulgaria!