General information
Getting there
The starting point of this hike, the village Gyovren, is fairly remote. The best option to get there is by car. You can safely leave your car on a parking space in the center of the village.
Starting point coordinates: 41.663298, 24.375595
Information about the hike
This four day hike traverses through a wonderful area of the Rhodopes. Hiking in the Rhodopes is recommended during spring and autumn. The altitude is not very high in this region. Because of that it can get very warm in summer. During this hike, you get to know a handful of charming villages in the Rhodopes. Gyovren, Jagodina, Chala, Borino & Zmeitsa.
Getting back
In Borino, you can ask around for a taxi for example in the hotel in the center of the village. A taxi back to where you left your car in Gyovren should not cost more than 30 BGN (at time of writing - 2021).
Day 1 - Information
After parking the car at Gyovren village, you can start the descent to the valley by using the asphalt road and the shortcuts in between. After going to the left on the asphalt road, you take a wide path through forests and fields. When reaching the highest point of the hike, "orlovo oko" (eagle's eye) you are at the highest point of the day and enjoy stunning views. There is a small path downhill from orlovo oko towards Jagodina village where you spend the night.
Route info
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Click to load map and elevation profile
Day 2 - Information
This longer hike has a variety of landscapes and paths. The hike starts off with a descend from Jagodina towards the start of the Devil's Path. The Devil's Path is a very interesting, well maintained "eco path" through cliffs next to a small river. It is not recommended to use this path when it is rainy weather as rocks could fall down. After the Devil's path, an uphill section follows to reach Chala village. From Chala, a fairly easy path follows to reach Zmeitsa village at the end of the day.
Route info
Click to load map and elevation profile
Click to load map and elevation profile
Day 3 - Information
The trail starts off with a gradual climb towards the highest point of this area in the Rhodopes mountain range, Videntisa peak. The first part of the trail is next to a river. This path has many water sources next to it in the beginning. Once you reach Videnitsa peak, you can admire a 360 degree view of the Rhodopes mountains covered by pine forests. The descent to Chala village is gradual and easy.
Route info
Click to load map and elevation profile
Click to load map and elevation profile
Day 4 - Information
The trail from Chala to Borino starts off with a section from day 2 in the reverse direction until you reach the Devil's Path again. There you take a left and follow the river upstream to go towards Borino.
Route info
Click to load map and elevation profile
Click to load map and elevation profile
Photos
View at Gyovren village
Horses next to the path
Easy path through fields and forest
View on the magnificent forests of the Rhodope mountains, close to Orlovo Oko
Orlovo Oko viewpoint
Descend towards Jagodina
Jagodina village in the distance
Small rocky path that gradually gets steeper downhill
Further down the trail you can see Orlovo Oko viewpoint from below (on the left on the photo)
The mixed species of trees cater for a colorful forest in autumn
Easy path through the forest
At the start of the Devils Path, next to the river
Some parts of the Devils Path are steep
Wooden constructions are in place for you to make your way through the cliff
The so called Devil's Bridge, a rock over the cliff
Section with an easier path after the Devil's Bridge
Small steep path towards Chala village. Easy to miss so pay attention
After exiting the forest, you can see Orlovo Oko again in the distance (left side of the photo)
Sheep next to the trail from Chala to Zmeitsa
Path from Zmeitsa to Chala towards the valley with a river
The stream needs to be crossed at a certain point, the water is usually shallow
Multiple water fountains can be found next to the path in the beginning
Path through pine forest towards Videnitsa peak
Red ribbons guide the way to Videnitsa peak
Videnitsa view
View from the accomodation in Chala in the morning
The day starts with a section which is the same way back to Devil's Path from day 2
When reaching the Devil's path again, turn left instead towards Borino village
Downhill to Borino
Borino village in the distance
