The Waterfall Canyon
Very few people know that there is an ecological path with unique beauty spots in Smolian region and this path is called the The Waterfall Canyon. It is located in the beginning of the natural reserve Soskovcheto and it is approximately 6 kilometers long.
The ecological path was marked during year 2003-2004. Due to the big tourist interest, last year the Regional inspection office for environmental and water protection extended it as in this way the whole route reached nearly 10 kilometers. But exactly it-the path winds close to the serpentine turnings of the river Elenska, rises upwards to Perelik and gives you an opportunity to see not only interesting forest ecosystems and different rock formations, but also wild goats and the state protected unique yellow-flowered Rhodopi plant Lilium Rhodopeum and what not.
Of course, it is not necessary to pass again across the natural sites around the existing road.
The ecological path starts from the locality Arnautskoto after the living district Sredok-on the 5-th kilometer along the road Smolian-Mugla. If you are a bit lazy, you may go there by car and after that you must walk up the steep slopes till you reach the canyon…
The path goes across the forest westwards-to Karluk and by the help of the metal and picturesque wooden bridges it passes either on the right side, or on the left side of the river Elenska, as there are shelters and places for recreation here.
There are many spruce trees around, while it passes near different rock blocks, called by local people Redenite kamuni (Arranged stones), which nature has been shaping for millions of years. Thus, you will reach unnoticeably to the Centuries-old beech tree, whose diameter is more than 4,20 meters, as during the whole time you will feel coolness due to the direct proximity of the river and the greenery around will relax you with its freshness.
The magic of the ecological path is in the waterfalls. And one can bathe himself in the clean pools below them, but…without staying there for long. Because the water, which fills them and splashes on the rocks, is quite cool, sometimes even biting cold.
The first waterfall is named Ropkata. The water flows downwards after it and as if it falls in cauldrons. That’s why the small waterfalls here are called Kazanite (the Cauldrons in English).
Further up the canyon you will see the lake Surceto. It may be likened to one of the seven Rila lakes and has the same form. And the next thing that you will see here are the Cascades, which are quite beautiful.
Here, just like at the Smolian water cascades, the water mass flows quickly along the rocks, resembling small terraces and it is again crystal clear and ice cold. And at the end of this strange mixture of mountain brooks and rocks, you will see the biggest waterfall at the canyon, named after the ancient Thracian singer Orpheus.
If you look at the falling water of this cascade, which is more than 60 meters high, you will see a rainbow, when the weather is sunny.
The sun rays of the heavenly body create here different colors and shapes, which are reflected into the water stream. And a bit further upwards, from a bird’s eye view-from the three panoramic platforms built along the road-at the height of 1700 meters above sea level-you will see wild goats on the rocks and also the green mountain tops of the Perelik region of the Rhodopi mountain.
And this is a unique and unforgettable view…
The whole mountain route of the ecological path leading to Karluk is designated with information boards and signs for tourists. But the Canyon of waterfalls is only one of the natural phenomena in Smolian district, which will not only win your admiration, but also make us feel proud of the beauty and diversity of the Rhodopi mountain. In fact, the great Bulgarian writer Aleko, when thinking not about the Rhodopi mountain, but about Bulgarian mountains, has exclaimed not by chance: “You must travel a lot around your homeland, so that you will love it!”
We guess about his exclamation even nowadays, when walk up the unique Waterfall Canyon above Smolian town.
