Lyava Reka: Hiking and Nature in the Stara Planina

Lyava Reka is located in the Stara Planina and is characterized by mountain scenery, an ecological hiking trail, and several natural features.

Lyava Reka lies beside a river that flows down from the mountains. Mountain slopes with deciduous and coniferous vegetation lie to the north and south of the village. The local landscape is therefore associated both with the river and with the vegetated mountain slopes. The hiking route is a distinct activity: it starts in Lyava Reka and has its own length and duration information.

Lyava Reka–Predela Hiking Trail

The Lyava Reka–Predela eco-trail starts in Lyava Reka and is 15 kilometers long. The stated duration is approximately eight hours. The distance and duration answer different planning questions: the kilometer figure describes the route, while the approximate duration indicates the time needed to complete it. The route connects with the international Kom–Predela–Emine hiking trail.

The trail is considered passable. Along the route, there are three rest shelters with barbecue areas, a drinking water spring, and a natural lake near one of the shelters. Treat the approximate duration as a guide and consider it together with the route’s rest points and water features, rather than taking it as a fixed schedule.

Natural Monuments and Natural Features

Mechata Dupka and Mileva Stena are designated as natural monuments in Lyava Reka. Mileva Stena protects a rock formation. Quarrying, mining, and geological activities that affect the natural appearance or water balance of Mileva Stena are prohibited. Mileva Stena partially or fully overlaps with the buffer zone of the Central Balkan protected area. At Mechata Dupka, entry, driving through, and parking motor vehicles are prohibited.

Siniya Vir is associated with a waterfall and a pool on the Drenevska River. Placheshata Skala is considered a local natural feature in Lyava Reka. The sites differ in their natural characteristics: Mileva Stena centers on a protected rock formation, Siniya Vir is associated with a waterfall and pool, and Placheshata Skala is considered a local natural feature.

Getting to Lyava Reka

The turnoff to Lyava Reka is at Haineboaz Pass. The sign for the turnoff is in Pchelinovo; the road from Pchelinovo to Lyava Reka is approximately three kilometers long. Check the route and road conditions before setting out.

Gurkovo in the wider destination area

The wider destination area of Gurkovo includes Gurkovo Municipality in central Bulgaria, in Stara Zagora Province, on the eastern edge of the Rose Valley and at the southern end of the Republican Pass, also known as Hainboaz. The main roads I-6, on the Sofia–Kazanlak–Gurkovo–Burgas route, and II-55, on the Ruse–Veliko Tarnovo–Gurkovo–Svilengrad route via the Republican Pass, run through Gurkovo. The Sofia–Burgas railway line runs through the municipality parallel to the I-6.

Discover more destinations: Pchelinovo

Go to the wider travel overview: Gurkovo.