The Devil's Path or “Dyavlskata Ecopteka” is a several kilometers long path laid along wooden footbridges along the picturesque rocky gorge of the Rhodope Mountains. The official opening took place in August 2015. It’s not for nothing that the route received such a frightening name: horror and delight will accompany you throughout the entire journey. Although the project was funded by the European Union, entry and parking are completely free.
Where is the devil's path
The Devil's Eco-Trail is located in the southwestern part of the Rhodope Mountains, in the Smolyan region near the village of Borino. When entering the village you need to turn left into the Chala area. After a few kilometers at the exit you will see a tall gate in the form of an arc. Near the parking lot there is a mini-museum and a cafe.
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Route
The path begins from a gate decorated with a horned head of the devil and a sign with a friendly inscription: Lasciate ogni speranza, voi ch'entrate (Italian) / “Abandon hope, all who enter here.” After 20 minutes of travel along a flat road along the river, you will find yourself in a gorge. Near the wooden bridge you will be greeted by the centuries-old tree “Zlatna varba, darvoto na kusmeta” (Golden willow, tree of luck), the place where a notable Turkish treasure was discovered in the 20th century. It is almost impossible to get lost along the route - there are signs posted on the trees every 100 meters.
Amazing Orpheus flowers grow right on the surface of the rocks
Depending on the time and energy you have for a walk, you can choose a large or small circle. Big circle - distance 10.7 kilometers, travel time 6-7 hours. Small circle - distance 3.7 kilometers, travel time 4-5 hours. The small circle is ideal for beginners, in addition, both circles cover the main attractions, so there is little point in going through the large circle. It is worth considering that even a small circle can greatly tire an unprepared tourist.
Small circle route map
On the way you will come across the picturesque “Devil's Bridge”, as well as a roaring waterfall hidden in a crevice, showering everyone passing with splashes and coolness (the steps and railings here are slippery - be careful), gazebos for relaxation and cheshmi (drinking springs).
In the middle of the journey there is an opportunity to leave the route. As a rule, taxi drivers are already waiting for tourists here, ready to take them to the parking lot for 20 levs or to some other attraction. Those who did not give up and decided to complete the circle will find a gazebo with benches and a table where they can relax and have a snack before continuing.
Mobile communications and internet periodically disappear along the route.
Features
The route is devilishly beautiful and no less dangerous. The wooden walkways built over the cliff creak and sway. Also, the most scenic part is the most challenging. Be careful and careful on every step of the way. According to official information, the route may be difficult for children under 12 years old, as well as for elderly people over 77. You should not take dogs with you.
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What to take with you
- Comfortable shoes.
- Clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Water. The first part of the route runs along the river, but the water quality is controversial.
- Walking poles are not useful everywhere (they will need to be folded and put away from time to time in order to hold on to the railing).
- Food (there is a gazebo with barbecue along the route).
Other “devilish” attractions
Nearby there are two caves: Yagodinskaya (Yagodinska) and Diavolskoe Gorlo (Dyavolskoto Gurlo), as well as observation platforms Orlovo Oko (Eagle Eye) and Orfeev Peak (Orfeev Vrakh). If you didn’t have time to see everything you had planned during the day, then finding accommodation for the night won’t be a problem; the area is full of guest houses (there are plenty of guests).
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