All about Bicaz Gorges – trails, access, tourist attractions
The Bicaz Gorges, a true natural wonder of Romania, is a place that captures the imagination of those who love to explore the unspoiled beauties of nature. Nestled between the Hășmaș Mountains and the Ceahlău Massif, these spectacular gorges, with their sheer cliffs and breathtaking landscapes, offer an unforgettable experience for tourists and hiking enthusiasts.
In the following lines, we’ll discover together everything you need to know about the trails to visit, how to get here and the main tourist attractions that make this area a place to visit.
- About Bicaz Gorges, a unique natural attraction
- How to get to Bicaz Gorges
- Popular trails in Bicaz Gorges
- Bicaz Gorges and Red Lake – a perfect combination
- Water in Bicaz Gorges – rivers and waterfalls
- Tips for visiting the Bicaz Gorges
- Attractions and tourist attractions near Bicaz Gorges
About Bicaz Gorges, a unique natural attraction
The Bicaz Gorges are one of the most impressive natural attractions in Romania. Situated in the central part of the Hășmaș Mountains in the Eastern Carpathians, they stretch for about 8 km between the resort of Lacul Roșu and the town of Bicaz-Gorge.
Formed over millions of years by the erosion of Jurassic limestones by the Bicaz River, the gorges impress with their wild landscape and sheer rock walls rising to heights of over 300 meters. In some parts the slopes are so close that they seem to touch, creating a unique natural spectacle.
Highlights include Altar Stone (1120 m) – an imposing rock massif, Hell’s Throat – one of the narrowest sections of the trail, Black Tower – a spectacular rock formation and Stone Gate – a natural gorge between the cliffs.
The national road DN12C crosses the Bicaz Gorges, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The route is dotted with serpentines and tunnels cut into the rock, allowing visitors to admire the wild beauty of the landscape.
In addition to the spectacular scenery, the Bicaz Gorges is home to a diverse flora and fauna, including rare alpine plant species and animals such as the black goat, brown bear and lynx. The area is part of the Bicaz Gorges-Hășmaș National Park, protected for biodiversity conservation.
For adventure lovers, the steep walls offer numerous climbing and mountaineering routes of varying degrees of difficulty. There are also marked hiking trails, allowing you to explore the area and get some spectacular photos.
After millions of years of shaping by the forces of nature, the Bicaz Gorges remains a symbol of Carpathian beauty, attracting visitors eager to explore and marvel at the majesty of this unique landscape. Discovering them is an incursion into a natural sanctuary, where the adrenaline rush of adventure blends with the tranquillity of the mountain landscape.
How to get to Bicaz Gorges
Bicaz Gorges is located on the border between the counties of Neamt and Harghita, making it an extremely accessible place by car. There are two main routes if you want to get there:
- ● From Gheorgheni (Harghita county): follow the national road DN12C towards Piatra Neamț. After passing the Lacul Roșu and the tunnel, you will arrive directly in Bicaz Gorges.
- ● From Piatra Neamt: take DN15 towards Bicaz, then follow DN12C towards Gheorgheni.
The road through the Bicaz Gorge is truly spectacular, with winding roads and tunnels carved into the rock. Be careful though, as traffic can get quite heavy during busy periods due to the narrowness of the road.
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Popular trails in Bicaz Gorges
The Bicaz Gorges-Hășmaș National Park is a wonderful place for hiking and nature lovers, offering a variety of trails that will take you through spectacular landscapes and places of rare beauty.
Bicaz Gorge – Suhardul Mic trail
It is one of the most accessible trails, with low difficulty and a length of about 3 kilometers. It starts in the area of the Bicaz Gorges and climbs up to a vantage point on Mount Suhardul Mic, offering spectacular views of the Gorges and the surrounding area. It is ideal for a relaxing hike, perfect for families or those who want to enjoy the scenery without too much effort.
Bicăjelului Gorges Circuit
For a more challenging experience, this medium-difficulty route is an excellent choice. It takes about 3-4 hours and will take you through some particularly scenic spots. You’ll pass through the Bicăjelului Gorge, a fascinating place with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters, followed by the Surducel Glens, a relaxing spot perfect for a break. The Surducului Road and the Verescheu Saddle are other points of interest on this route, which ends at the Red Lake, an ideal place to cool off after your hike.
Bicaz Gorges – Piatra Altarului Trail
It’s a more technical route, it takes 3-4 hours and includes sights such as the Lapoș Canyon, an area of wild beauty, Piatra Bardoș and the Fânăriile de pe Cupaș, before reaching the Cupaș saddle. It is a medium-difficulty route, perfect for those who want to put their hiking skills to the test and discover great landscapes.
Bicăjelului Valley – Piatra Cherecului route
A challenging route that takes about 6 hours and is of medium difficulty. It is ideal for those who want to spend a full day in nature and explore the more remote areas of the park, where the tranquillity and beauty of the place are absolutely breathtaking.
Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake – a perfect combination
Just a few kilometers away from Bicaz is Lake Roșu, a natural dam lake formed by a landslide in 1838. It covers over 12 hectares and is dotted with petrified tree trunks, creating a unique landscape. The reddish-red waters, due to iron oxide, give it a special charm.
The combination of the two objectives offers a variety of leisure possibilities: you can hike on marked trails around the lake and through the quays, go boating on the Lake Roșu (Red Lake), rock climbing and mountaineering or observe the flora and fauna of the mountain area.
The proximity of the two sites allows you to visit them on the same excursion. This way, tourists can admire both the grandeur of the quays and the unique beauty of the lake in one day.
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Water in the Bicaz Gorge – rivers and waterfalls
Water plays a key role in the spectacular landscape of the Bicaz Gorges, and the main watercourse that has shaped these impressive forms is the Bicaz River. Flowing out of the Red Lake, the river runs the entire length of the gorges, burrowing deep into the rock over millennia.
Along its 8 km, the river receives several tributaries, which in turn form secondary gorges. The Cupaș stream forms the Cupașului Gorges and the Lapoș stream forms the Lapoșului Gorges. The Bicăjel stream creates the Bicăjelului Gorges and the Șugău stream creates the Șugăului Gorges. These tributaries contribute to the water flow in the Bicazului Gorges, diversifying the aquatic landscape and giving the area a special charm.
In certain stretches of the river, the water forms spectacular cascades, such as the waterfalls in the Laposului Gorges, with a three-step waterfall and a total height of 25 meters, or the waterfalls in the Bicajelului Gorges, no less impressive.
In the narrowest part of the gorge, known as Hell’s Throat, the water gets rougher, forming impressive rapids and eddies. Here, the erosive force of the water is best evidenced by the giant potholes carved deep into the rock.
A particular feature of the area’s hydrography is the karst springs, which occur in several places along the gorges. The most famous of these is a powerful spring that gushes straight out of the rock face, right near the Hell’s Throat.
The permanent presence of water enhances the spectacular landscape and helps maintain a specific microclimate and rich biodiversity. High humidity favors the development of a diverse flora, including rare species of mosses and ferns.
Tips for visiting the Bicaz Gorges
For an optimal experience in the Bicaz Gorges, it is important to keep in mind a few recommendations. First of all, choosing the right period is essential. The months of May-September offer favorable weather conditions and spectacular scenery, ideal for hiking.
It is also advisable to wear comfortable and suitable hiking footwear as some trails can be difficult. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, as supply options in the area are limited. It is also important to follow the National Park rules and avoid leaving marked trails.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the road can get quite busy during the tourist season. To avoid the crowds, we recommend setting off early to explore, ideally in the first part of the day. Weekday visits are also less crowded than weekends, and if you want to enjoy the peace and quiet, consider parking your car at the entrance to the pier and continuing on foot.
For adventure lovers, the Bicaz Gorges offers excellent climbing and mountaineering opportunities. Make sure you have the right equipment and experience to tackle the climbing routes.
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Attractions and tourist attractions near Bicaz Gorges
In addition to the spectacular Bicaz Gorges, the area offers many other natural attractions and sights worth exploring.
Red Lake
Located just 3 km away, Red Lake is a natural dam lake, formed in 1838 following a landslide. The picturesque landscape with petrified tree trunks makes it a unique attraction. Visitors can enjoy boating or hiking in the surrounding area.
Bicăjelului Gorges
These spectacular gorges stretch for 6 km and are crossed by the Bicajel River, a tributary of the Bicaz. At the end of the gorges is a high suspension bridge with breathtaking views.
Șugăului Gorges
Located near the town of Bicaz, the Șugăului Gorge is one of the wildest areas. The steep limestone walls and waterfalls formed by the Șugău stream create a spectacular landscape.
Ceahlău Massif
Just 30 km away is the imposing Ceahlău Massif, one of the most important mountains in the world. Toaca Peak (1904m) offers superb panoramic views.
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Mountain Spring Dam
The largest dam on inland rivers, at 127m high, is an impressive feat of engineering. The reservoir offers recreational and fishing opportunities.
Munticelu Cave
Also known as the Snowdrop Cave, this karst formation hides a large hall covered with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a small underground lake.
The Bicaz Gorges enchants with its majestic landscape, but the experience doesn’t stop there. The adventure continues by exploring the surroundings, each step revealing natural and cultural beauties. Whether you choose to relax on the shores of Red Lake, venture out on the nearby mountain trails or discover the local traditions, Bicaz Goorges offers a wide range of activities and sights to suit all tastes. Plan your trip, prepare yourself for unforgettable landscapes and be surprised by the unmistakable charm of the Eastern Carpathians.
Sursa foto: Shutterstock
