"Menta" Eco-trail in Rila – a short and picturesque route along the Yadenitsa River near Golyamo Belovo
- Stefan Ivanov
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
This is a simple wooden bridge over Yadenitsa. It connects the Rila and Rhodope Mountains.
Probably most of you will object to me at this moment, waving your hands:
Well, how can an ordinary wooden bridge connect large mountain ranges like Rila and Rhodope?
And here I will intervene, importantly, importantly:
The Yadenitsa River is not like other rivers – it is special!
Yadenitsa River – orographic border between the Rila and Rhodope Mountains
Yes, the Yadenitsa River serves as the main orographic and geographical border between Rila and the Western Rhodopes. It flows in a deep valley, separating the eastern slopes of Rila (Rakovitsa Ridge) from the northwestern parts of the Rhodope Alabak Ridge. The border continues from the river valley through the Yundola saddle.
The Yadenitsa River Valley is a key natural landmark that clearly outlines the transition between the high mountain relief of Rila and the more rounded forms of the Rhodope Mountains.
How many times have we traveled along the windings of this noisy river!
How many times have we admired, speechless, the Rila-Rhodope beauties!
The Yadenitsa Valley is one of our favorites!
That's why we still don't understand how it happened that only at the beginning of April 2026 did we finally stop by this wooden bridge, where Mr. Menta greeted us with the smileiest smile?!
Just look at how he smiled – he's beaming!
This is the starting point of the "Menta" eco-trail, starting in the Rhodope Mountains and ending in Rila.
"Menta" eco-trail in Rila – a short and picturesque route along the Yadenitsa River near Golyamo Belovo
Here my old and good friends, have created something wonderful!
So – let our super Rila-Rhodope adventure begin now!
We cross the noisy Jadenitsa and pass under the wooden arch, on which hangs a sign with the inscription "Mint".
In the local dialect, "menta" means an enclosed pond, i.e. a dam.
A few people from Golyamo Belovo with big hearts and skillful hands, great friends, decide to create a corner by the river - here, in this place.
Said - done!
And so, over time, "Menta" grows and becomes more and more beautiful!
A barbecue, tables, benches, a wooden house, swings, flowers, and a fountain appear, delighting more and more people who curiously stop by the road and cross the river.
Sincere laughter and heartfelt messages enliven this starting point, and as you can see, the surprises don't end here.
Are you full? Yes? No?! Well, okay! Because we continue along the path.
Along the path
From here begins a real eco-trail, leading up along the rocks to the high parts of Rakovitsa Hill in Rila.
You will successively walk along a trodden path surrounded by large pieces of rock.
You will walk along shaped rock steps, as well as wooden ones.
Don't stop looking around! There's definitely something to see!
Where does this path lead? Over there – under the rocks!
First you will pass by a fountain.
The gushing water, from the bowels of the mountain, is icy cold.
We climb the placed stone slabs to come face to face with these faces.
The rocks here, as well as the tree trunks, are overgrown with evergreen ivy, which creates the feeling that it is summer, even though it is early April.
Imperceptibly, with a very slight panting and a great deal of childish curiosity, we arrive at the very heart of the trail.
On duty here is the guard of the "Menta" eco-trail, armed with a spear, protected by armor, holding a shield tightly, and even wearing a helmet.
The heart of the "Menta" eco-trail
Dozens of interesting objects have been brought, sorted and skillfully arranged to this place.
A table is arranged under the rocks, next to which are placed four thrones, created from barrels with exceptional craftsmanship.
I intentionally filmed absolutely everything here for you – every single detail, because words won't be enough to describe how heartfelt all of this was created!
Bravo! Bravo! And bravo again! Hey, golyamobelovtsi, you are a big deal!
Stone slab houses are especially attractive!
So it turned out to be a whole village – just like that under the rocks!
Just look at the verandas on the second floor and the roof – it's unique! They even built a stone church!
And against it the Bulgarian tricolor flutters.
All of this is completely indescribable! Everyone has to experience it for themselves!
If you continue a little further along the path and along the rocks, you will see the parking lot and the wooden bridge over Yadenitsa, down there, where we started from.
Well done, friends! Well done! You have created a wonderful corner! With great heart and skill!
I invite you – visit the village of Golyamo Belovo! Then take the "Menta" eco-trail! Climb to this point and breathe in the cool Rila-Rhodope air!
It's worth it! This is the "Menta" eco-trail in Rila - an easy and picturesque route along the Yadenitsa River near Golyamo Belovo.
Characteristics of the "Menta" eco-trail
Route type - entirely pedestrian, linear.
Starting point - about 2.3 kilometers south of the village of Golyamo Belovo
End point - the heart of the "Menta" eco-trail
Total length of the entire trail - no more than 200 meters
Total duration of the entire trail - between 15 and 30 minutes
Total elevation gain - the trail starts at about 527 meters above sea level (the wooden bridge over Yadenitsa) and climbs to about 543 meters above sea level. (the niche in the rocks of Rakovitsa Hill)
Suitable equipment – comfortable and high hiking shoes, as well as comfortable clothing and outerwear according to the season
Difficulty of the route – the trail is mostly easy, without any particular difficulties. Overcoming the elevation gain for less experienced tourists may be a slight challenge. It is suitable for people with different levels of physical fitness, including families with children.
ATTENTION! We recommend that parents keep their children under strict supervision when climbing to the rock niche!
How to get to the village of Golyamo Belovo?
The village of Golyamo Belovo is located between three mountains: Rila, the Rhodopes and Sredna Gora. The relief is mixed: mountainous and flat. The small Yadenitsa River flows through the village. There are no deposits of minerals. The climate is transitionally continental. The soils are brown forest, cinnamon forest and alluvial along the river.
The vegetation is mainly represented by deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs: beech, oak, fir, pine, rosehip, blackberry and others. The fauna is diverse. There are many insects, birds and mammals. In the higher parts live protected bears and wolves.
The village of Golyamo Belovo is located very close to the town of Belovo, on the Belovo - Yundola road, in the beautiful gorge along the Yadenitsa River.
Golyamo Belovo is located:
95 kilometers (about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car) from the capital
70 kilometers (about 1 hour and 8 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv
437 kilometers (about 4 hours and 50 minutes by car) from the city of Varna
322 kilometers (about 3 hours and 1 minute by car) from the city of Burgas
How do you get to the starting point of the "Menta" eco-trail?
The starting point of the "Menta" eco-trail is located about 2.3 kilometers south of the village of Golyamo Belovo.
A widening has been built on the right side of the road, where it is possible to safely leave your cars.
And finally, my dear friends,
you shouldn't miss checking out
the special photo album with moments –
discovered, experienced, filmed and shared with you!
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