GPS coordinates start for the waterfall: 43.16568,23.50366
GPS coordinates final peak waterfall: 43.15181, 23.50473
Distance: 3 hours in total (to the top of the waterfall and back), 5 km in total
Degree of difficulty: ★★★☆☆
GPS track:
The Borov Kamak eco-trail or the Zgorigrad eco-trail is in the category of adventure and extreme. Decorated with bridges, stairs, railings, and well-marked, it will take you to the stunning panorama at the top of Borov Kamak waterfall.
It was built in 2000 and is one of the first eco-trails in Bulgaria, built in the Vratsa Balkan Nature Park.
Finding the Borov Kamak eco-trail
Borov Kamak eco-trail is located at the end of the village of Zgorigrad, Vratsa region. It goes in the valley against the river Leva and ends at Borov Kamak waterfall (63 m).
You will not have any problems finding the starting point and moving to the end. The trail is perfectly shaped and equipped with information boards for the region.
The trail has a higher degree of complexity due to the large displacement through most of the route, the vertical wooden stairs, and the slippery sections.
We visited it at the change of seasons and were fascinated by the transition between the carmine-colored autumn leaves and the kingdom of the Snow Queen at the end.
We did not see a full waterfall due to the low water level of the Leva River, but each season brings its own charm and the views we saw were not to be missed!
Start of the eco-trail Borov Kamak
We passed through Vratsa, where every time I shudder in awe in front of the majestic Vratsa pass at the end of the city.
We crossed Zgorigrad and found the starting point of the trail. From the side were the popular transparent balloon houses, which looked very intriguing.
The village of Zgorigrad was nestled in the valley.
The tragedy with hundreds of victims happened in 1966, when the retaining wall of the horsetail storage near the Plakalnitsa mine broke and flooded the village, reaching as far as Vratsa, which seems forgotten.
The trail is smooth at first and runs along the remains of a horsetail storey that look like a landscape from Mars.
After the first gazebo and bridge, we entered the beautiful canyon of the river Leva.
I was tempted to lift a rock as we walked into the picturesque valley.
Gazebos, benches and places for selfies lurked at almost every step.
From here, the displacement began to increase significantly. The stairs became almost vertical.
Walking along the banks of the Leva River we were fascinated by the incredible colors in the gorge valley. The riverbed was lined with a soft moss carpet and gleamed emerald.
Here is the place to note that we moved quite slowly because of the combination of noise and frosted railings and surfaces. Several times I regretted not taking the gloves, supposedly carefully prepared for the hike.
We reached perhaps one of the biggest attractions along the route.
A high panoramic platform glued to the rocks, again reached by an almost vertical ladder.
There was a warning sign not to be used by more than three people at a time.
The climb was worth the effort because of the magnificent view of the silent valley.
At Borov Kamak waterfall
We also reached the culmination of the eco-trail – Borov Kamak waterfall.
Awake in another season, the giant now seemed drowsy, but his unusual futuristic rocks stood out in the foreground.
After an extensive photo session, we continued on the final straight of the route. It was possible to go up the stairs under the waterfall and continue to the upper level of the natural landmark.
An unusual place to rest after the big climb is a table under the huge rock massifs of the waterfall.
The last part of the route was without surprise ….. again vertical.
There is nothing easy on this path!
We slowly entered the rooms of the Snow Queen, who had adorned the branches of the trees with silver garlands in our honor.
There was one last bridge right where the river ran down the cliff.
Again a very different view, this time in a completely different palette of colors and once again breathtaking.
An option for the next route from the waterfall is to continue to Parshevitsa hut, to return on another path to Zgorigrad, or to continue to Okolchitsa peak.
Conclusion
The Borov Kamak eco-trail is an amazing combination of adrenaline, panoramic views, and a mix of attractive elements of inanimate and living nature.
Once you take it, you can’t stop and marvel at every step of the unpolished beauty of the Vratsa Balkans.
Video:
Ideas for other eco-trails: here
