Our exploration of Bulgaria’s wild beauty has been nothing short of captivating. In recent days, we’ve already stood in awe before the Kamena Waterfall, with its towering 20-meter drop, and wandered through the lush, butterfly-filled paths to reach the tranquil Yavornitsa Waterfall. Each of these hikes revealed a different facet of the Belasitsa Mountains — from dramatic cascades to peaceful forest streams.

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For our third adventure in this remarkable region, we turned our sights toward another waterall: Klyuch Falls. This trail promised something a little different, a series of waterfalls hidden deep within dense forest, reached by a path that is not only scenic but also sprinkled with elements of adventure. From gentle streamside walks to rope-assisted sections and rustic wooden ladders, the Klyuch Falls hike offers a mix of family-friendly accessibility and just enough challenge to keep things exciting.

How to Reach Klyuch Village from Thessaloniki (Greece)

Klyuch village lies in the southwestern corner of Bulgaria, close to the borders with Greece and North Macedonia. From Thessaloniki, the journey is straightforward and can be comfortably done as a day trip.

Start by heading north on the A25/E79 motorway toward the Promachonas–Kulata border crossing. After crossing into Bulgaria, continue on the E79, following signs towards Petrich. From Petrich, a local road leads west to Klyuch village, passing through rolling farmland and offering distant views of the Belasitsa ridges.

The total distance is roughly 150 km, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours, depending on border traffic. Once in Klyuch, you can park near the trailhead, where a yellow sign clearly marks the start of the route to the waterfalls (Водопадите in Bulgarian).

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Hiking To Klyuch Falls

The hike to Klyuch Falls covers approximately 2.7 km round trip, with an elevation gain of about 216 meters. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes at a relaxed pace, though you might spend more time exploring and photographing the waterfalls along the way.

The trail begins in the lower forest, following a soft earthen path surrounded by lush vegetation. Signage in both Bulgarian and English helps guide the way, and early on you pass a marker pointing back toward Klyuch village. The first part of the hike is gentle, winding through chestnut and beech trees, the air filled with birdsong and the scent of fresh leaves.

As you progress, the forest grows denser, and the sound of running water begins to accompany your steps. The path stays close to a lively stream, with several wooden bridges offering crossings and great photo opportunities. The shade from the forest canopy keeps the air pleasantly cool, even on warm summer days.

The second half of the trail introduces a touch of adventure. Certain sections require the use of ropes fixed along the path to steady your balance, and in a few spots you’ll need to climb rustic wooden ladders to reach higher ground. These features are well-maintained and add a fun, hands-on element to the hike, making it particularly engaging for children and active families.

The terrain alternates between leafy ground, moss-covered rocks, and narrow passages alongside the stream. Along the way, smaller cascades provide a hint of what’s to come, each framed by ferns and bright green moss.

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Arriving at Klyuch Falls (Ключки водопади)

The final approach to the main waterfalls is nothing short of enchanting. The trail threads its way past a series of cascades, each one unique in character, from wide, multi-tiered drops spilling over mossy boulders to narrow chutes of water plunging through rocky channels.

One of the most striking features is a tall, slender waterfall that tumbles into a rocky gorge, viewed from a wooden platform just above its crest. The force of the water sends a cool mist into the air, refreshing hikers before the return journey.

Lower down, a wider fall pours into a shaded pool surrounded by ferns, offering a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery. These pools, while shallow, reflect the deep greens of the forest canopy and make the area feel like a hidden world untouched by time.

What makes Klyuch Falls particularly special is the combination of variety and intimacy, you’re not just hiking to one single waterfall, but rather to a collection of them, each tucked into its own natural alcove. The gentle roar of water follows you from one to the next, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

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Hiking to the third Klyuch Waterfall

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About Belasitsa Mountains

Kamena Waterfall lies within Belasitsa Nature Park, a pristine region covering 117 km² on the northern slopes of the Belasitsa Mountain range. The park borders North Macedonia to the west and Greece to the south, creating a unique crossroads of cultures and ecosystems.

Declared Bulgaria’s newest nature park in 2007, Belasitsa boasts around 1,500 plant species, including rare and protected ones like common chestnut, European holly, and Albanian lily. The region is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, from woodpeckers and warblers to small mammals and amphibians.

Hiking in Belasitsa offers a blend of biodiversity, well-preserved forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Beyond waterfalls, the park’s trails reveal chestnut groves, ancient beech forests, and panoramic viewpoints that stretch across three countries.

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Details of the hike

• Location: Klyuch (Belasitsa Mountains)
• Trail Signs: Yes
• Maximum Elevation: 698 m.
• Minimum Elevation: 519 m
• Total Distance: 2.7 km
• Hiking time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy (family friendly)
• When to Hike: All year round

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