“Beli Iskar” Eco Trail – An Unforgettable Adventure in Rila
For everyone seeking the coolness and freshness of the mountains in summer, or the beauty of nature in any season, the “Beli Iskar” Eco Trail will pleasantly surprise, refresh, and invigorate you for the whole day. The “Beli Iskar” Eco Trail is one of the best-designed eco paths in Bulgaria. Its route winds through the gorge of the Beli Iskar River above Samokov, on the outskirts of Rila National Park. It is equipped with numerous wooden bridges over the river and rest areas. The best time to visit is spring and summer, especially during hot weather – the trail is mostly shaded by the gorge, with extra coolness coming from the river.
How to Get to the Start of the Beli Iskar Eco Trail
The Beli Iskar Eco Trail begins 3.9 kilometers after the village of Beli Iskar, about 11 kilometers south of the town of Samokov. The starting point of the route is at approximate coordinates: 42.243470, 23.541089.
To reach the trail, drive through the entire village of Beli Iskar, following the main road and keeping to the right at all junctions. The asphalt road after the village is narrow and in some places quite eroded, but still passable with a regular car. At the beginning of the trail, there is a large parking area on the right side of the road and signs on the left – that’s where the route starts with the first bridge.
Just before this parking area and the signs, you’ll see a small chapel on the left side of the road – a reliable landmark that you’re on the right track and only a short distance from the eco trail.
To reach the trail, drive through the entire village of Beli Iskar, following the main road and keeping to the right at all junctions. The asphalt road after the village is narrow and in some places quite eroded, but still passable with a regular car. At the beginning of the trail, there is a large parking area on the right side of the road and signs on the left – that’s where the route starts with the first bridge.
Just before this parking area and the signs, you’ll see a small chapel on the left side of the road – a reliable landmark that you’re on the right track and only a short distance from the eco trail.
Trail Features
The trail is well-marked, with a total length of about 7 kilometers. It runs entirely through the gorge of the Beli Iskar River – alternating between the left and right banks, and at times joining the road that runs parallel to the river, which is a reliable landmark even if you lose sight of the blue trail markings.
The trail is generally circular, but in practice, it starts by going upstream, reaching a shelter, and then looping back downstream. Don’t miss this: on the return, after bridge number 8, there is a turn left off the road leading up to a panoramic viewpoint, offering beautiful views of the river, the road below, and the steep rocky slopes on the opposite hills.
The trail takes about 2–3 hours to complete, not counting breaks.
The trail is generally circular, but in practice, it starts by going upstream, reaching a shelter, and then looping back downstream. Don’t miss this: on the return, after bridge number 8, there is a turn left off the road leading up to a panoramic viewpoint, offering beautiful views of the river, the road below, and the steep rocky slopes on the opposite hills.
The trail takes about 2–3 hours to complete, not counting breaks.
