Beauty in Nature Trail: Gazing at the Devetaki Plateau
Introduction:
This is an adventure amidst the beauty of the Devetaki Plateau with a special look at the karst formations that shape it, but also preserve its history.
You will have the opportunity to hear the pulse and meet the winged guardians of the Devetaki Cave, to feel what mysterious powers are hidden in the Krushuna Waterfalls, combined with their incredible beauty, to enjoy the view from the Big Curve - the viewpoint of the canyon, to get acquainted with the intriguing history of the Old Mill in Karpachevo, to look at the world from the inside out in the Garvanitsa Cave on the way to Gorsko Slivovo, to discover the remains of the Grada fortress near Kramolin and delight your senses with a picnic in nature and the incredibly beautiful panorama of the Alexandar Stamboliyski Dam, to learn the story of the deer from the picturesque village of Agatovo and to stop with bated breath in front of the immense beauty of nature at the highest point of the Devetaki Plateau - Chukata Peak, near Brestovo. Enjoy and cherish the memory!
What you'll discover:
The Bats in the Devetaki Cave
The Krushuna Waterfalls
The Canyon
The Old Mill in Karpachevo
Golyama Garvanitsa Abyss Cave
Kramolin, Fortress Grada
Kramolin, View of the Alexandar Stamboliyski Dam
Agatovo
Brestovo
Each stop along this trail offers interesting stories and wonderful views, happiness from immersing yourself in nature and history.
Why this trail matters:
The Old Mill proves that tradition and innovation go hand in hand, as long as someone believes in their power. It shows us that when people believe in the future, even the old mill can become the scene of new adventures.
The Krushuna Waterfalls are not only a natural wonder, they are also a treasury of ancient spiritual practices that leave an indelible mark on our history. Every rock here carries a secret, and every niche carries wisdom.
The Canyon - with a past of a landfill, with a present of a beautiful viewpoint, was cleaned and changed in 2009 by enthusiasts from the village and the Devetaki Plateau Association with the help of the Karpachevo village and the Letnitsa Municipality.
The Fortress Grada shows how a rock can be a home, a fortress and a witness to centuries of human destinies.
The Dam is a symbol of human resilience and the fight against natural elements. It is also a testament to how history, culture and nature intertwine, creating a heritage that shapes the contemporary landscape.
And at the end of the day, when you find yourself near the village of Brestovo, where the highest point of the Devetaki Plateau is located - Chukata Peak, 555.7 meters above sea level, and you see the enchanting view in all directions, you will feel incredible. Guaranteed!
Heritage Trail Map:
- The Bats in the Devetaki Cave
- The Krushuna Waterfalls
- The Canyon
- The Old Mill in Karpachevo
- Golyama Garvanitsa Abyss Cave
- Kramolin, Fortress Grada
- Kramolin, View of the Alexandar Stamboliyski Dam
- Agatovo
- Brestovo
Heritage Trail Details:
- Length (km):
- 58 km
- Duration (without a quest / with a quest):
- 7 h 30 min / 8 h
- Getting there:
- Cycling and walking
- Driving and walking
- Special notes (e.g., clothes, equipment, weather, etc.)
- Sturdy shoes (rocky terrain inside caves and slippery paths in the forest)
- Flashlight or headlamp (low-light areas inside caves)
- Smartphone or printed map (for navigation)
- Notebook or phone (to take notes for clues, if you engage with quests)
- Best Season: Spring to Autumn (April – October), when the caves are easily accessible and safe
- Safety guidelines
- Be cautious of uneven surfaces in the caves
- Watch for loose rocks or slippery surfaces
- Limited mobile coverage inside the caves – download an offline map
- Respect the sites – the caves are natural heritage
- Guided tour (by INHERIT partner) and/or self-organized trip by travelers
- This trail can be undertaken by travelers on their own
- Guiding is not offered
- Contacts for more details:
- Devetaki Plateau Association
- https://www.devetakiplateau.org/en
Quests / Chances to be creative:
Quest 1: 'Nine Memories from the Devetaki Plateau'
- Theme & Heritage Focus:The beauty and diversity of nature on the Devetaki Plateau
- Duration: Variable (depends on the trail completion time, plus 3 additional minutes per stop)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (Suitable for anyone capable of walking on rugged terrain with slight gradient)
- Location: All stops along the trail
- Best Season: spring, summer, autumn
Mission
Discover and enjoy the views, take a photo and continue to the next point.
Practical Information
- Essential Equipment: comfortable shoes and clothing, flashlight
Quest Description
Take photos near/in/at each of the sites. Send them by email to: devetakiplateau@gmail.com or post them on social media, tagging Devetaki Plateau Association.
Everyone who completes the task will participate in a raffle and has the opportunity to receive a prize from the Devetaki Plateau Association.
Starting Point
Devetaki Cave
Area Description
Devetski Plateau
Heritage Connection
Natural beauty, preservation, and history
Success Criteria
Minimum 9 photos taken at each point of the route
Participant’s Role
Take photos and share images.
