After spending some wonderful days exploring the dramatic alpine landscapes of Pirin Mountain, we moved further north to discover another jewel of Bulgaria’s highlands – Rila Mountain. Our first stop was the famous Goritsa Waterfall, also known as Ovcharchenski Vodopad, a 39-meter cascade hidden in the lush northern foothills of Rila, near the village of Ovchartsi.
This eco-trail offers not only a refreshing walk through shady pine forests but also a glimpse into local traditions, history, and legends that give this waterfall its unique character.
▶ Listen to this Post Now
How to Reach Goritsa Waterfall
The starting point for the Goritsa eco-trail is the village of Ovchartsi, located about 4 km west of the spa town Sapareva Banya. If you’re coming from Sapareva Banya, drive through the central square of Ovchartsi and turn left towards the mountain. The road ends at a small parking lot near the Goritsa River, where the marked eco-trail begins.
From here, it takes only 15–20 minutes of hiking to reach the official observation deck overlooking the waterfall. The path is well maintained, with stone steps, wooden bridges, and plenty of shade along the way – making it a family-friendly and accessible hike.
Hiking to Goritsa Waterfall
The trail begins gently, following the course of the Goritsa River. Wooden bridges cross small ravines, while steep staircases take you higher into the forest. Tall pines and dense greenery keep the path cool and atmospheric even on hot summer days.
The route is short but rewarding. As you climb steadily, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water growing louder until you finally reach the viewpoint. Here, the waterfall reveals itself in full glory – a slender white stream plunging dramatically over vertical cliffs, framed by lush vegetation and rock walls.
Although the observation deck is positioned at a distance (due to water catchment restrictions in the area), the sight is still impressive. Goritsa is the second-highest waterfall in Rila, after Skakavitsa (70 m), and is fed all year round by the slopes of Kriva Sospa, Kamenna Mandra, and Kabul peaks.
For the adventurous, unmarked trails continue further upstream, where six smaller waterfalls (5–15 m) can be found along the river.
Support the journey — buy me a coffee
I share these articles and the climbing guidebooks because I love the outdoors, and they’ll always be free. If they’ve helped you, help me keep them coming. Click the button to support my work.
Explore all outdoor activities in a convenient list view here
Goritsa Waterfall
Discover More Outdoor Adventures in Bulgaria
- Hiking to Saint Nicholas Waterfall – A Family Friendly Adventure Near Bansko, Bulgaria
- Hiking to Baykusheva Mura – Discovering Pirin’s Ancient Pine Giant – Bulgaria (family friendly)
- Hiking the Banderishki Lakes: From Vihren Mountain Hut to Fish Banderishko and Frog Lake in Pirin Mountain, Bulgaria
- Wild Camping in Pirin Mountain – Banderitsa Camping, Bulgaria
- Hiking to Dabitsata Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria (family friendly)
- Relaxing and Wild Camping at Belasitsa Hut – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria (family friendly)
- Hiking to Klyuch Falls – A Family Friendly Adventure in Bulgaria’s Belasitsa Mountains (Ключки водопади)
- Hiking in Yavornitsa Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria Яворнишки водопад (family friendly)
- Hiking in Kamena Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria Камешнишки водопад (family friendly)
Subscribe & Stay Informed
Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email
About Ovchartsi Village and the Blanket Washing Tradition
The eco-path begins right above Ovchartsi village, a charming settlement nestled in the Struma valley. Apart from its proximity to Sapareva Banya and Rila’s hiking routes, Ovchartsi is known for a unique local tradition: washing wool blankets in the mountain river using natural water pressure.
At the beginning of the trail, you’ll notice a wooden platform with carpets and blankets laid out to dry, next to a contraption that channels rushing water into a spinning drum. This centuries-old technique uses the natural force of the river to beat and clean thick woven fabrics – an eco-friendly and authentic method that has been preserved to this day.
It’s a living piece of cultural heritage, offering hikers a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life in rural Bulgaria.
About Rila Mountain
Rila Mountain is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and the Balkans, with its summit Musala rising to 2,925 meters. Known for its glacial lakes, alpine ridges, and centuries-old forests, Rila is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The northern foothills, where Goritsa Waterfall is located, offer easier eco-trails and cultural experiences, while deeper into the massif you’ll find famous landmarks like the Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Monastery, and countless alpine routes.
Visiting Goritsa is the perfect introduction to Rila. A taste of its refreshing rivers, shaded forests, and the legends that flow through them.
Details of the hike
- Location: Ovchartsi (Rila Mountain)
- Trail Signs: Yes
- Maximum Elevation: 873 m.
- Minimum Elevation: 803 m
- Total Distance: 1 km
- Hiking time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (family friendly)
- When to Hike: All year round
Before you leave this blog check out the following map
Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.
Olympus Mountaineering 
Pingback: Hiking to the Seven Rila Lakes – A Complete Guide to Bulgaria’s Most Famous Alpine Hike – Olympus Mountaineering
Pingback: From Waterfalls to Alpine Lakes: An Expedition Through Bulgaria’s Belasitsa, Pirin & Rila Mountains – Olympus Mountaineering