Emen Canyon is a canyon formed over thousands of years by the erosion of the Negovanka River. The canyon and surrounding area was one of the first protected nature areas in Bulgaria.

The Emen Canyon Eco Path follows the length of the canyon which starts a little to the north of Emen village. There is parking outside the shop in the centre of the village. There is a map on the wall of the shop showing the Eco Path.

Eco Path Route

Some customers have needed to ask for directions to find the start of the Eco Path. You can follow these directions below to find the start of the Eco Path.

The easiest way is to stand with the in the center of the village with the shop on your right. This building is also the Mayors office and has Bulgarian and EU flags hanging up. You should be facing west. Then walk 300m up the road from the shop in the centre of the village. There is a large crossroads. Turn right and walk up the hill for 1000m. You will pass the cemetery on the left and then see the end of the village sign. The end of the village sign is white with a red diagonal stripe through the word Emen. To the right of this sign is a gravel road which you take to the start of the Eco Path. Below the end of the village sign there is a sign in Cyrillic “Емен Каньон екопътека“ which points to the gravel path.

The Eco Path climbs up the side of the canyon. There are several routes up but they all bring you on to the same path on top of the canyon. Follow the path along the top of the canyon. When you have walked enough you turn around and follow the same path back to the car park in the centre of the village. The walk takes about 1.5 hours in one direction, so allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the whole walk.

If you have enough energy you can can follow the Eco path down to the lake Nevoganka and then turn around and follow the same route back to the car park in the centre of the village.

Remember to take water, a shade hat and sun-cream during the hot summer months.

Take a torch with you …

Near the start of the Eco Path on the left side there is a large cave which is worth exploring for a short time. The cave is safe to explore. The cave is very large and was used during World War 2 as a hiding place. There are no lights in the cave so make sure you remember to take a torch with you. It is free of charge to enter the cave. Look out for the bats hanging from the roof!

If you like to hike, check out our walking paths close to the campsite and other Hotnitsa Ecotrail.