BEFORE  YOU GO:

•  Be sure to check park status for road and trail closures, especially in the winter.

PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

• DISPOSE OF ALL YOUR WASTE PROPERLY
• ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED OF OTHER VISITORS
• RESPECT THE WILDLIFE
• PETS ARE ALLOWED IN MOST NORTH CAROLINA PARKS HOWEVER YOU WILL NEED TO ALWAYS HAVE THEM ON A LEASH 

CRABTREE FALLS LOCATION:

Be aware that if you put the Crabtree Falls into your gps you will be brought to a different spot than where the entrance to the Falls is. If you find yourself passing by Emerald Village ( which we highly recommend you visit) you are on the wrong road and need to turn around ( which might prove to be difficult as the road is really narrow and turning points are impossible to find). We give this warning from experience since the first time we visited we took the wrong way which extended our trip by an hour.

The best way to find the waterfall is to put Crabtree Picnic Area or Crabtree Campground as your destination. If you are coming from the direction of Marion, I-40 and Little Switzerland the sign for the waterfall and where you need to turn will be just pass the picnic area to your left (do not turn onto the picnic area just continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway). The falls are located at Milepost 339.5. 

If you are coming from the direction of Boone and Virginia the Falls Trailhead will be right before the entrance to Crabtree campground to your right. You will see the sign few miles beforehand and right before you need to turn which will help you locate the entrance to the trailhead.

Here you turn right as you exit the Blue Ridge Parkway to where you’ll find several parking spots that are as close as you could possibly get to the beginning of the trail. If you are looking to camp contact the park services and arrange for a camping spot beforehand as there is no phone signal or internet connection here. An attendant could be found at the little booth at the entrance of the Campground sometimes but I wouldn’t bank on it and definitely make prior arrangements. In addition to the 27 sites available for advance reservations, 54 campsites are available on a first come, first served basis.

The campground offers comfortable tent or RV camping, with the convenience of flush toilets, dump station, and drinking water. You can find grills, fire rings and picnic tables at each site perfect for family barbeques or late-night marshmallow roasting.

For campground inquiries, please call: 828-675-5444 (MAY – OCTOBER)

For any additional information and more ways to book a stay at any of the campsites, weather at the spot, closures and availabilities check out their PAGE.

Porta potties are on sight but we suggest if you are looking for bathroom to go to the ones at the Picnic Area, just a short drive from the Falls, where you’ll find actual restrooms which are much nicer, wider and cleaner.

TRAILHEAD:

Trailhead to the Falls can be find easily. Just go right from the parking lot and there it is. The trail is very well maintained and marked passing through gorgeous North Carolina woodland and lush greenery before reaching the main attraction – THE FALLS. The trail is considered strenuous only because of the steep decline and straight back incline. 

The hike is about 2.6 miles long if you choose to do the looop and about 2 miles long if you go there and back the same way. It takes about an hour to and hour and a half depending on you pace and of course on how long you take to enjoy the view of the falls.

We highly encourage you to do the whole loop in which case you will be able to see all the different flora and fauna enhancing this area. If you decide to do so: go clockwise. This way you will be going down the steepest part of the trail to the falls first. This will also be the shortest part of the whole trek and the quickest to reach the Falls.

To continue on the loop walk to the end of the bridge at the bottom of the Falls and look for the sign saying LOOP to the right. You will find a path to follow back to the parking lot.  This side of the falls is less strenuous, more flat and easier to navigate instead of having to go straight back up the trail, if you are taking the same way back that you came down on. The extra distance (if you do the loop) is only about 3/4 miles long.

FOOTWEAR:

Make sure to have proper footwear while visiting Crabtree Falls. The trail is mostly shaded snacking between the hovering tall trees that don’t allow for much sunlight and really muddy,  especially after rain. The several wooden bridges you will be crossing are very slippery when wet so be sure to hold tight to the railing where there are some and walk super slow on the parts where there isn’t any. There are parts of the trail that are pretty rocky and hard to navigate so be sure to have your hiking sticks in hand as well. They might prove a little hard for your four legged friend as well which might prompt you into letting them off the leash. Please don’t do this. North Carolina strictly requires all pets be leashed at all times on the tails. And of course don’t forget your water bottle and a snack. And a snack for your buddy as well. 

Several benches are located along the trail in case you need a little break or to just sit on and enjoy the surroundings. During our last visit we got caught in some light rain and I can hardly describe the joy it was to sit on the bench under the tall green trees and listen to the raindrops falling onto the leaves creating the most beautiful and serene melody. Check out our INSTAGRAM PAGE for a short reel on the experience.

At the bottom of the steep decline to your right you will find the most stunning and an absolute breathtaker – Crabtree Falls. This 70-foot magnificent wonder cascading on Big Crabtree Creek over a rockface with many small ledges, flows into a rocky pool at the bottom, before continuing under the manmade bridge, bellow where you are standing.

The Falls are the tallest single flow waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway and are mostly accessible between the months of May-October due to road closures, however you are able to access the waterfall if you are willing to commit to a longer hike in most cases in snowy conditions.

Originally the Falls were known as Murphy’s Falls and a small community was living nearby. They were a settlers, mostly farmers and remainings of old church and a blacksmith shop were found and believed to be part of the settlement. After the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway construction in 1930 the waterfall was renamed to Crabtree Falls by the National Park Service after the Big Crabtree Creek that creates it.

The absolute best part of visiting Crabtree Falls is how close to it you can get. At your own risk and of course as comfortable as you feel climbing slippery rocks while being lightly misted by water from the falls. Bring the kids and the dogs. They would love exploring.

After the hike make sure to check out the Smallest community on the Blue Ridge Parkway – Little Switzerland. The have a lovely restaurant overlooking the property and the Parkway with great food choices. During the busy days and on weekends you might have to wait for a seat but while doing so there are several little shops where you can grab a souvenir from your visit.

If you are looking to spend the night in the area but are not necessarily into camping the hotel in town is gorgeous and if you are lucky enough there might be a room available or if you a better planner than us you can call ahead of time and make a reservation.

A little ice cream and sweets shop is located right across the Inn and the parking lot if you are looking for dessert after your lunch or dinner at the restaurant. They also offer few local brews and have sits outside under the trees which are our favorites. You can have a drink while the kids eat their ice cream – could it get any better!

Let us know if you visit the falls and how you like them. And make sure to check out all of the other awesome North Carolina hikes near by we have written about on our blog. We  post daily on our INSTAGRAM page where you’ll find even more adventure inspiration. 

#1 Davidson Ice House

Update 5/24/2023: Davidson Ice House will be reopening under a new name Hot Mess and hopefully similar menu in the near future.  

Number one and our top choice to get a vegetarian meal is Davidson Ice House located in the town of Davidson (as the name suggests) at 416 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036.. Their phone number is (704) 895-5555 in case you want to place an online or to go order. They do deliver.

Their menu is absolutely fantastic and they offer a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. You can choose anything from salads and bowls to burgers and desserts. And everything is prepared daily from mostly locally grown produce in the kitchen in the back. The owner and chef Jen Brule is kind of celebrity ( she did indeed appear on a celebrity cooking show – The Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge on Food Network) and is the one that inspired the dishes and cooked them to perfection before offering them to you. She’s written two very popular cook books so it’s safe to say she knows what she’s doing.

You can choose to build your own salad, bowl or burger or choose one of the daily suggestions that chef Jenny has to offer if you don’t feel like having to make a quick decision. Some of the things you can pick from are quinoa, kale, grilled slow, caramelized sweet potatoes, lemon pickled cauliflower, vegan chicken, kale slow, edamame, caramelized onion, a variety of chopped veggies and so much more. Our favorites are the crunchy mushrooms, the buffalo cauliflower, the sidewinder fries with the pimento cheese and black bean hummus over lettuce and quinoa. All of their sauces are out of this world so we can really not say which one is our favorite. You can pick several with your order so we suggest if you are a group order one of each.

The brick building that Davidson Ice House is located in is kind of a mix of old and new. It used to be the old ice house of the town (hence the name) build back in 1922 and constructed and equipped by the Southern Ice Machine Factory of Charlotte. The building had changed hands multiple times throughout the years before finally becoming one of the most beloved restaurants in town today and you can definitely feel all of that in the charming building. You can sit inside or choose a sit at the front of the restaurant or on their back patio. Either way you will be sure to be graced by southern hospitality and southern soul food that will leave you wishing for more and have you coming back time after time.

#2 CAVA

Cava is another absolute favorite of ours that we (and I’m embarrassed to admit this) order at least once a week. Believe me if you try it you will understand. And we highly recommend you give them a go. 

Cava restaurant is located in Birkdale village at 16845 Birkdale Commons Pkwy in Huntersville, NC. You can order in the restaurant or place an order online. You can also give them a call and place an order over the phone. Their phone number is 704-464-0614.

CAVA was started by three friends one of which was a chef. All of them were in some way involved with the Greek culture and had dinners around the table involving Mediterranean food. So they took notes and decided to bring the taste of Greece to you. Their initial restaurant can be traced back to Rockville, Maryland where it all started. Today they have about 80 chef inspired locations around the US and some of their products ( like the hummus they make, which is heavenly) can be purchased in various stores around the country. 

Their concept is pretty simple. You can order a bowl or a pita. Just like Davidson Ice House you can build your own ( awesome, right! ) or pick one that they recommend. You start with the base which could be either salad, greens or grain and than add as you go. Some of the items you can pick from are falafel , spicy lamb meatballs, harissa honey chicken, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, grilled meatballs or braised lamb. Next you pick a dip. We absolutely love the crazy feta which is a just the right of spicy for our taste and the tzatziki ( no way we can do without that). There is also red roasted pepper hummus, harissa, roasted eggplant dip and just regular hummus. The toppings is where the fun begins. There are so many options you can choose from and you can add as many as you would like. Our favorites are the pickled onion, the cabbage slow, the Kalamata olives, the tabbouleh lentil and the oven roasted corn. Once you’ve chosen your toppings you can pick a dressing. There are about 10 toppings you can pick from and they are all absolutely divine. We’ll hold off on recommending any of them since we usually pick as we go depending on what we feel like that day.

If instead of the bowl you have decided to order the Pita just follow the same steps. There is a good amount of sitting inside the restaurant as well as some outside tables right to the side of the building and in front of it. We like the side sitting where it is usually quiet and warm in the winter thanks to the plastic covering.

#3 Fresh Chef 

Fresh Chef is another great option if you are looking to grab a vegetarian meal and the best part is that the restaurant has 3 locations around Lake Norman so you are never too far from one of them. There is one in Cornelius at 20601 Torrence Chapel Road, one in Mooresville at 645 Brawley School Road and one in Denver at 179 Cross Center Road.

Their house smoked salmon with fresh herb aioli is delicious. The pimento and fresh guacamole, topped with Pico de Gallo and served with corn chips is always on point and the creamy spinach, with jalapenos, tender artichokes and melted cheeses melts in your mouth. All of their salads can be ordered without meat and are outstanding. The herb marinated Portobello mushroom topped with roasted red pepper, feta cheese, red onion and lettuce, finished with a balsamic glaze on a brioche bun is pretty much always our go to and it has always been mouthwatering although their salmon dishes tease us very often and we end up with one of them just so we can share. 

# 4 Pinky’s Westside Grill

We love Pinky’s and the the atmosphere at this spot. It is so laid back and kind of homie and the staff is so very friendly. They run drink specials all the time and even if you are not feeling like a big meal they have a good selection of small plates to share or snack on while chatting away with your company.

They have a soup of the day which is always prepared fresh, homemade veggie chili, homemade fries topped with homemade pimento cheese ( you can substitute for vigan) , fried dill pickles, white bean and rosemary hummus that is so good. They have a very good selection of salads and all of them can be made to be vegetarian. But what is our favorite item on their menu is the Nature Boy ( a homemade veggie burger, deep fried, topped with pepper jack, red onion, tomato and lettuce and served with their yummy chipotle-mayonnaise on a toasted whole wheat bun. Our second favorite is the one and only -Charlotte’s first vegetarian hot dog but you can order anything from their wiener wonderland section and substitute with a veggie hotdog that is 100% plant- based and is always boiled. 

There are about 10 sandwiches on their menu you can pick from. One of the best ones are the grilled Greek pita sandwich with provolone, fetta, Kalamata olives and oregano as well as the falafel sandwich which will definitely transport you to Greece.

Pinky’s Westside Grill has two locations. There is one in Huntersville at 9818 Gilead Road Suite 101B and one in Charlotte at 1600 W Morehead St.

#5 Killington’s Restaurant and Pub

Killington’s is located in Huntersville at 10010 Rose Commons Dr. They have a second location in Fort Mill in SC at 940 Market St.

Killington is one of our favorite casual date day or date night  spots and we frequent it very often. they have a good amount of sitting inside and several tables outside. We love the chill atmospheres here and the friendly stuff. The food is always quick to arrive and always cooked perfectly.

I have a slight obsession with pretzels and Killington’s has probably one of the best pretzels in the are ( and I know my pretzels) In the many years we have ventured to restaurants around I am yet to find one that I like as much. The pimento cheese sred and spicy mustard it comes with are divine and the size of its is bigger than my head ( literally).

If a  pretzel isn’t your thing all of their salads are amazing and always on point. Their pepperjack spinach dip melts in your mouth, the toasted ravioli are outstanding and the stuffed banana peppers are fire. But the black bean burger stack is where it’s at. The perfectly cooked black bean burger is served in pita bread and comes with avocado pepper jack cheese, tomato, lettice and red onion. It is a must if you are here. If you are looking for something lighter their soups are great as well and they typically have a soup of the day cooked daily. 

#6 Brixx Wood Fired Pizza 

Brixx pizza in Birkdale located at 16915 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. is another great option for a quick casual food grab. They have multiple locations around the state and beyond and often run deals if that is something that interests you. Sign to their reward program and get a small pizza immediately upon ordering another item. This way you will get the chance to check out several of their dishes before making a decision if they will be a regular dinner or lunch spot for you. On Tuesdays they often offer buy one get one as well so that’s a good time to plan a visit here. 

We love all of their pizzas and salads. Most of them you can just request to have meatless and all of them are delicious. We like to sit at the bar and have a drink if we are on a date here or grab a boot and enjoy the laud mess if we are bringing the kids with us. We often take the kids however since they absolutely love this place ( as do all the other kids that we have seen around) and if there was a chart somewhere we would probably rate Brixx Pizza at the top of it for family friendly restaurants in the area. It is also very hard not to like this spot since what they offer as desert is the marshmallow smores pizza which our kids drool over. 

For more dining option check our the other articles on our website and follow us on Instagram were we share daily inspiration on things to see and do around here. 

HOW TO REACH MILL SHOALS FALLS:

• From East Main Street Brevard (downtown) head NorthEast towards South Broad Street
• In 350 feet turn Left onto South Broad Street
• In 0.5 miles turn Right onto US-64 West
• Continue on US-64 West for 8.4 Miles
• In 8.4 MIles turn Right onto NC-215 North
• Continue on NC-215 North for 7.8 Miles
• Mill Shoals and French River Falls (Living Waters, Balsam Grove, NC) will be o your Left.

Please be considerate and do not park anywhere on the parking lot of the Living Waters Ministry as the Religious Retreat is Private Property. For more information in case that this is something that might interest you, check out their PAGE where you can read about their mission, events and the options for lodging.

Several parking spots can be found along the road as well as the small parking area located right by the entrance to the trail for the Falls. 

From where you parked your car take left and follow the little path for about 500 feet. The trail will lead you to the base of the double waterfall – Mill Shoals and French Broad Falls. You can get pretty close to the water and get a really good picture of both the waterfalls from the large rocks at the end of the path. However please do not go anywhere near the dwelling. Dogs are allowed on the trail but need to be on a leash at all times. 

The trail is very short and easy. It is not wheelchair accessible. There is not much elevation gain and it is a great trail to take the kids if you are trying to introduce them to hiking and build the love for beautiful nature and gorgeous waterfalls. if you are doing so make sure to keep them close once you reach the end of the path to avoid them falling in the water.

The double waterfalls before you that flow from different creeks and meet exactly at this point are both 15-feet high and a sight to behold. Cascading over the rocks while the water is fully flowing before meeting at a wide pool at the bottom. The waterfall next to the red dwelling is the Shoals Creek Falls and the one to the right is French Broad Falls. Together they make Mill Shoals Falls.

If those are the only two waterfalls you have come to see or don’t have too much time to wander around head back to the car the way you came. This trail is a one way trail and not a loop.

If you are looking for a longer trek however, from this spot you can continue by taking the path on your left and find several smaller waterfalls and finally the Bird Rock/Cathedral Falls at the end of a heavily wooded path. The trail is about 0.8 miles long and is relatively flat with the exception of the slight decline and incline while taking a detour from the path to reach the waterfalls along the way.

The path is shaded (which is great during the summer months) and pretty muddy especially after rain, so make sure to wear proper footwear and bring your hiking polls. There are several wooden bridges along the way which might be slippery if wet so make sure to be extremely careful on those.  

Several unnamed smaller cascades can be found if you take right where you see a path along the trail and are worth exploring. The large boulders surrounding them make for the perfect sunbathing spot even on a chillier day but also mean that reptiles will be looking to catch sunshine so be aware and look around while approaching.

As you follow along the path to the Bird Rock Waterfall/Cathedral Falls you will notice a lot of wooden plates hanged on the trees with written psalms on them. This is because this spot is located on the Living Waters Ministry Private Property, which they are generously and kindly allowing public access. Living Waters encompasses 74 acres in the North Carolina wilderness, along the French Broad River in Balsam Grove. Please be considerate and understanding as they are.

At the end  of the path you will be rewarded with a beautiful sight of one of the most spectacular waterfall views in North Carolina. The Bird Rock Waterfall or as the current owners of the land have renamed it to – Cathedral Falls, is a 20-foot waterfall that flows and passes right under a massive smooth rock completed with colorful sediments painting the rock face. It is an absolutely breath taker. It is one of the most unique waterfall in the State and it will be hard to find something similar to it. 

It is so absolutely spectacular how the water from the falls have curved a large hole at the bottom of the massive cliff working for thousands of years and has now made it’s way right under it.

We enjoyed our visit to this waterfall immensely. We choose to visit during a weekday and in the winter to ensure we avoided the crowds and were able to find a parking spot but we assume during the Summer and Fall months it gets pretty busy and crowded and takes away from the serenity of this special spot.

A moment our kids really enjoyed and still talk about is the splashes of waterfall water they got while standing right by the massive cliff and the sprinkling water coming from above as if it was raining over them. Check out our INSTAGRAM PAGE for a reel of this cool moment.

While in the area make sure to check out some of the other hikes near by.

• Cat Gap Loop
• Cedar Rock Creek Falls
• Slick Rock Falls
• Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education
• Looking Glass Falls
• Looking Glass Trail

As always:

• BE SURE TO CHECK PARK STATUS AND ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURES ESPECIALLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS:

• Dispose of all waste properly
• Be considerate of other visitors
• Respect the wildlife
• Pets are allowed at almost all the North Carolina Parks however the need to be on a leash at all times

And Don’t forget to have fun and share tips with your fellow Nature Explores here or on our pages.

You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the great outdoors. Even if you’re new to exploring the woods, there are plenty of places that are perfect for beginners. North Carolina is home to some beautiful nature trails and scenic hikes. Many of the trails in this state are also dog-friendly, making them a great place to bring your canine friends as well. North Carolina has it all when it comes to beginner friendly hikes. If you want to get into hiking but aren’t quite ready for a more challenging trail, read on for information about the best easy hikes in North Carolina.

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock near Lake Lure is one of the most iconic places in North Carolina. It’s a 3 mile round trip hike to the top of Chimney Rock, where you can take in an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The hike is stroller and wheelchair friendly and takes about an hour to get to the top. It’s not a challenging hike and is great for beginners looking to get outdoors. Make sure to bring water and wear some appropriate shoes. Chimney Rock is one of the best places to see the sunset in the Western part of the state. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves are changing color. The drive up to Chimney Rock is beautiful and the hike itself is something you don’t want to miss. This hike is great for beginners but can also be done as a day hike for more experienced hikers.

Humpback Rock

This is another great trail near Lake Lure that is perfect for beginners. It’s a 3.2 mile round trip hike that is mostly flat and is great for families or anyone who wants a less daunting hike. The trail is fairly well-marked and easy to follow. It is open year-round and the views at the top are definitely worth the walk. Humpback rock is a great place to go in the summer to get out of the heat and enjoy the outdoors. This trail is also dog-friendly so you can bring your canine friends with you. It’s a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but is especially stunning during the fall when the leaves are changing.

Hooker Falls

This is one of the best in the state for waterfall lovers. It’s only a 1-mile round trip hike to the waterfalls, so it’s an easy trail with stunning scenery. It is open year-round and the waterfall is a great place to escape the winter weather. It’s easy to get to and easy to get back from. This hike is also kid-friendly, so it’s a great place to bring families with young children. It is open year-round, so you can enjoy it in the summer or during the colder months. It’s a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of year it is.

Jumping Rocks hike

This is a 3-mile round trip hike near Brevard, NC. It is open year-round and is a great choice for beginners. The trail is not too difficult and is mostly shaded. It is easily accessible and is wheelchair-friendly. It’s a great place to visit when the leaves are changing and is a nice trail for families with little ones. It is also a good trail for dogs, but make sure to keep them leashed. This is a great place to visit any time of year. It is a beautiful hike with lots of wildlife, like birds and butterflies. It’s a great trail to take a break from the winter weather and get outside. If you are looking for a nice, easy hike with a less challenging trail, this one is perfect.

Lake Trail at Graveyard Mountain

This is a 1.5-mile round trip hike to Lake Lure near Chimney Rock. It is open year-round and great for a day trip or an easy weekend hike. The trail is not very difficult, is shaded and is easy to follow. It is also wheelchair-friendly. The trailhead is easy to find and is close to several other trails that you can explore after you finish this one. The lake is beautiful and makes for a great photo opportunity. There is also a swimming hole nearby where you can jump in and cool off. It is a nice place to visit in the summer or fall when the leaves are changing and the weather is cooler. This hike is a great choice for anybody who wants to get out and explore the great outdoors. It is easy to get to and has beautiful scenery along the way. It’s also a good place to visit with kids.

Ramsays Falls Hike

This is a 5-mile round trip hike near Mount Mitchell, NC. It is an easy hike with beautiful scenery. The trail passes by several waterfalls and is open year-round. It is wheelchair-friendly and is a great place to hike with kids. The waterfall at the end of the hike is a great reward for the relatively easy trail. This trail is open year-round, but note that the waterfalls are smaller during the winter and the trail could be very muddy if there has been a lot of rain. This is a great place to visit any time of year, but is especially stunning during the fall when the leaves are changing.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an easy hike with stunning views and lots of wildlife, these trails are a perfect choice. They are all very easy to get to and have lots of parking nearby. These hikes are great for beginners and families with young children. No matter what time of year you visit, these hikes are beautiful and rewarding. These trails are perfect for anyone who wants to get outdoors and explore, but doesn’t want to tackle an overly challenging trail.

The town of Kovachevitsa is located about 75 miles south of Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and about 45 miles from the town of Blagoevgrad in the steep valley of Kanina River. The drive to the village is absolutely breathtaking although a little windy and steep. You will be driving right through the Rhodope Mountains with gorgeous views surrounding you at all times. 

Once in town you will be greeted by quiet and nature like you’ve never seen before. There are less than 50 all time residents living in the village and most of them are elderly. Some of the houses are used as summer and vacation homes for people in the cities nearby. Paved roads are pretty much nonexistent here. There are mostly dirt or cobblestone roads that residents used for horse and buggy rides back in the days. Most people do not own cars around this parts and don’t need them since they rarely leave the town. The narrow streets are mostly for walking purposes and bike rides. 

There are several things you will see while walking around the village of significant interest outside of the unique architecture buildings the small town is so famous for. There used to be an old school ( the oldest in the area) that was founded in 1820 and ran by priests. Secondary school was founded in 1854 but later moved to a different two story building in 1892. However it was closed years later due to the lack of young children in the village that needed to be schooled. There is the sign that points to where the school used to be located right in the townhall of the village. 

St. Nicholas Church which is another significant site can be seen from almost anywhere in town. It was built right before the Bulgarian liberation from Ottoman Rule in the years between 1841-1848. A self thought builder from the area constructed it using local wood and stone. The church was adjacent to the old school mentioned above. Later a bell tower was added in 1900. The church was recognized as a National Cultural Monument. The street leading to the church is especially beautiful and we highly recommend a stroll on it. 

Most of the houses that you will see along the way while exploring the small town are unique to the period in which they were built and are preserved as they were in the 19th century. There are also some newly built houses that were constricted in this typical late 19th century style in order to preserve the distinctive look of the village. In 1977 the town of Kovachevitsa was designated an “Architectural and Historical Reserve of National Importance”. 

The town of Kovachevitsa is known as the “Bulgarian Hollywood”. 29 movies in total have been filmed here. The unique architecture of the town and the abandoned nature is what have drawn the attention of various movie makers that have filmed here. Thanks to that some of the houses, left abandoned due to a lot of residents leaving the small town and moving to big cities and old people passing away, have been restored. 

There are several restaurants in town where you can grab lunch or dinner, offering traditional Bulgarian meals. Some of the houses in town offer accommodations if you are looking to spend a night or two. You can find them on Airbnb or Booking.com.

If you are looking for more adventuring while in the area there are trails you can take from town and explore the the surrounding woods. Recently some caves have been discovered nearby and are worth checking out if you are in spelunking. The town of Leshten that has similar architecture is close by and is worth a day trip or a night in one of the unique earth houses that can be found there.

For more ideas on things to do in and around the area check out our other Blogs and our INSTAGRAM page.

We suggest you do put the Stob Pyramids in your GPS as a final destination but once you enter the village of Stob to turn it off and follow the signs. If you choose to follow the GPS you will find yourself in an area from where you will overlook the pyramids from a distance but will not be able to do the hike for a better and closer view of the unique sand formations. See bellow:

This is a great option if you are looking to intake a picturesque scenery without the effort of hiking, breath fresh mountain air and maybe enjoy a picnic with a view if you have picked something along the way or packed a delicious meal in your picnic basket.

However if you are looking for a good workout and some heart pumping, follow the signs to the entrance to the trail for the pyramids. The parking lot is plenty big and you will be able to find a spot without a problem. The road leading to it is relatively well paved with several speed bumps along the way and few potholes but that will not be anything you haven’t already encountered at some point while driving in the country.

Although most of the hikes in Bulgaria are free here you will be asked to pay the small amount of 2 levas (kids are free) or 1 leva if you are a student. The lady at the small booth at the beginning of the trail will collect your money and that’s the spot where you can also purchase a souvenir if you will like to take something home to remind you of this beautiful spot.

The first part of the trail is relatively easy. Just follow the cleared wide road that weave through the forest. There are several benches along the way where visitors can sit for a little breather while enjoying the views surrounding them. Make sure to bring lots of water along for the hike. It does take one to two hours to complete the whole trek and there is not a lot of shade along the way where you can hide from the rays especially on a hot summer day. In case of weather and rain there is a shelter about half way where you can hide and wait it out if need be. 

You will see a little path going into the woods to your left while on the main road. If you choose to take it you will find this little church here. If this is something that interests you make sure to take the detour and check it out. If it isn’t your thing just follow the main trail and continue up to where the earth pyramids are found. 

You will know you have reached the second part of the trail once you start climbing straight up and come out of the woods to the open. Make sure to make frequent stops and turn around to gaze at the beautiful views behind you. I personally love the way back from the top of the pyramids since the whole way down you have the chance to be looking at the beautiful valley and the mountains in the distance.

If you have kids and pets with you make sure to keep them close by once you enter the second part of the trail. There is barely any railing and towards the last section there is actually none. As thrilling and adventurous this trail is it is also extremely dangerous and a fall down the ravine will not be fun. The very last section of the trail is the most dangerous. It is essentially a small narrow path with nothing but the cliff on both sides so we do not recommend attempting this part with kids at all. If you are careful and willing to risk it all the views from the top are definitely worth it.

The locals have given this rock formations many different names from tent rocks to fairy chimneys to the best known naming for them – earth pyramids. Most of the formations look like mushrooms. They typically consist of relatively soft rock topped by a harder, less easily eroded stone (in this case here – a flat hard stones) all of them with the sole purpose of protecting the column from the elements and all created by nature itself.

The tallest rock formation here is as tall as 40 feet and over 200 feet wide at the bottom, but pretty much all of them are different sizes. They consist mostly of aleurolite, clay and sandstone and their colors are very similar to the colors of the pyramids at the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah USA.  It is believed that there was a shallow lake here that accumulated a large number of segments and a lot of clay. The erosion and rainfall than played a big roll by eroding the side of the mountain and creating the final result – this little canyon. 

The way back from here is pretty much all downhill with the added bonus of beautiful views all the way down. If you have time make sure to sit back and enjoy the vistas. Wildflowers are abundant here by the trail, bunnies run freely about and you might be lucky enough to see a herd of sheep and goats grazing by in the distance. 

If you’ve worked out an appetite after the hike there are several small restaurants in town where you can grab a bite to eat. If you are looking for something more special coming out of the ton of Stob and heading in the direction of the Rila Monastery you will find few really nice riverside “mehanas” that offer traditional bulgarian meals and freshly caught fish made to your liking.

If you visited the Stob Pyramids early in the morning and there is still time in the day make sure to check out Bulgaria’s most visited attraction – Rila Monastery. If there isn’t enough daylight left but you will still like to explore the Church there is the option of spending the night there however the only way to check if there are rooms available is if you call and ask in Bulgarian (as they don’t speak English) or if you go to the Monastery and ask in person. Either way the trouble is definitely worth it as the one of the largest and most famous Orthodox Monasteries in the world.

If the Monastery isn’t something you might be interested in the town of Blagoevgrad is a short easy drive from Stob Pyramids and has a lot to offer. You will find many attractions, restaurants, bars, nightlife and shopping. We highly recommend a stop there as this is one of our favorite spots to kill a day while in Bulgaria.

For more ideas on where to go and what to do in and around this area check out our other block posts and follow is on INSTAGRAM for daily adventure suggestions. 

The Wonderful Bridges are located near the town of Zabardo 3 hours away from Sofia, an 1h and 30 min drive from Plovdiv and 3h and 30 min from Burgas. The roads leading to the intersection before you have to turn to get to the Bridges are relatively good. The last part of the road is not paved and pretty bumpy so make sure to plan before heading this way. If your car is not made for off-roading you will either want to skip on this trip or prepare to take it really slowly and carefully.

The Wonderful Bridges are situated in the Rhodope Mountains in a karst valley at 4,760 ft above sea level at the foot of Persenk Peak.

Once you arrive you will be greeted by a newly updated restaurant offering refreshment, traditional southeastern Rhodopinal dishes and sandwiches all made with local products mostly grown in the nearby town of Zabardo. The restaurant has 130 seats so even if you have a big group you will always be able to find a seat here. Depending on the weather and your preferences you can choose between indoor or the outdoor sitting. We personally enjoyed the outdoor tables sitting right by the stream in the flower covered meadow. There is a small kids corner where children can play while you are enjoying your meal.

If you are enjoying the nature and don’t want to leave this beautiful spot there is an option of spending the night here. A large hut that shares two bathrooms offers 12 beds, free wifi, water, electricity and heat in the winter. If you are looking for something more private, a small completely renovated bungalow is located near the main building and offers two small double bedrooms each with their own bathroom.

There is plenty of space around the huts and near the restaurants where you can pitch a tent if that’s something you might be interested in.

Souvenir shops are located at the beginning of the trail as well and you can stop by on your way back to your car if you would like to buy something that will remind you of your visit here.

The trail to the Arches is pretty easy and short and doable for all hiker levels. Even at a slow pace it will not take you longer than 15 minutes.

At the end of the path you will be greeted by the sight of the massive arch formation of the largest Bridge. There are two that visitors can see. Many smaller caves are located along the river however they have not been fully discovered yet and are not recommended for exploration due to the continues erosion in the area. It is believed that the Wonderful Bridges were formed as a result of an earthquake where the river dropped only to reveal and underground cave. The arches are the only remains left behind and all of the rest was swept by the heavily flowing river.

This massive marble nature formation stands at 315ft width and over 200ft height. It is absolutely impressive and standing underneath it makes you really feel the greatness of nature. You can walk under it and touch the side of it. The cool marble is cold and smooth to the touch.

A small river wavers in between the smaller arch and you are welcome to walk there and look around. The water is cold and refreshing and a great cooling source in the summer. The cave opening is pretty open at the front and continuously narrows. If you follow the river you’ll get to where the river disappears underground. The rivers returns back to the surface in about a mile and a half further down the forest. You can see pretty good the majestic size of the arches compares to a human in the picture below.  

A small ice cave is formed in the second arch and ice can be found there sometime until late July. It is an interesting phenomenon and is exceptionally cool for kids to witness. Ours had all kinds of questions about it and thoroughly enjoyed all the commotion other people made over it.

If you are looking for a different viewpoint of the Wonder Bridges take the path leading to overlook above the arches. The vistas before you are beautiful and the walk is pretty short and easy. If you are bringing kids along for the hike make sure to keep them close by. Although there is metal fencing along the edge of the cliff the drop is pretty significant and will be dangerous.

Being that you will be exploring the area near the highest peak in the Rhodope Mountains (7,188 miles above sea level) make sure to bring appropriate wear and be prepared for weather that changes very quickly in this parts.

Also please follow proper hiking manners, do not litter and pick up after yourself and your pet if you are bringing one along with you. Be courteous of your fellow hikers, do not move rocks and do not pick up any wildflowers. The ecosystem here is fragile and we are all trying to do our best to protect it for future generations and other nature lovers to enjoy. 

For ideas on other things to do around the area and in Bulgaria in general check our other blog posts on the topic or find suggestions on our INSTAGRAM page.

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