Devin: Gorge, Waterfalls and Historic Traces

North of Trigrad, the Trigradska River has carved a seven-kilometre protected gorge through marble cliffs: the Trigrad Gorge. It showcases a striking natural side of Devin. Landslide lakes, waterfalls and an unusually shaped rock formation add to the picture. Trails and historic sites also offer practical themes for planning your trip.

Water and Rock

In the Trigrad area, the Chairete protected area encompasses six natural landslide lakes. In the Devin area, the Struilski Dol waterfall lies on the river; it has a drop of three metres. A different scale can be seen in the Devil’s Throat Cave: there, the Trigradska forms a 42-metre-high underground waterfall. These two measurements illustrate the difference between a waterfall on a river and one inside a cave.

Nastanska Mogila is a three-hectare rock formation at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Its distinctive ridge ends in a shape resembling a trunk. Also in the Trigrad area is the Stara Gora (Shabanitsa) nature reserve, at an altitude of 1,700 to 1,800 metres. If you plan to visit, check the access regulations locally.

The protected area of the Devinska River valley includes a fishing zone for Balkan trout about three kilometres long. If you want to fish there, check the applicable rules in advance.

Trails, Caves and Getting There

The Struilitsa–Kaleto–Lakata eco-trail starts in the Struilitsa locality and follows the river meanders. There are metal bridges over the river. The main trail is about four kilometres long; a shorter side trail leads to Samodivsko Praskalo waterfall in approximately 30 minutes. This provides different details for planning: an approximate length for the main trail and a walking time for the side trail. Trail and bridge conditions can change; check them before setting out.

The Haramiyska Cave in the Trigrad area is a shaft cave and an attraction on the boundary between classic and extreme tourism. A narrow asphalt road through the gorge leads to the entrance to Devil’s Throat Cave; there is a small car park in front of it. The road to Trigrad also runs through the gorge and is a typical single-lane mountain road with oncoming traffic. Road conditions can vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check the latest conditions before driving.

Historic Traces and Orientation

Devin’s trail network includes Kavursko Kale fortress, also known as Kaleto. It existed from the 6th to the 13th century and is designated a cultural monument of local significance. The eco-trail also leads to Lakata, where a medieval settlement once stood. The names Kaleto and Lakata thus connect two different historic traces: a fortress with a long history and a place with a medieval settlement.

Devin’s historical museum collection preserves about 2,000 exhibits of local and national significance. It complements the landscape and trail themes with a cultural focus. If you plan to visit, check the current opening hours.

As another point of reference, the Shiroka Laka–Devin–Borino tourist route runs east to west through the Municipality of Devin. Devin therefore encompasses both specific destinations such as a gorge, waterfall and historic sites, as well as a broader route through the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Trigrad, Mihalkovo, Beden, Madan, Dospat, Borino, Rudozem, Chepelare.

For the broader travel overview: Smolyan Province.