Emen Canyon

The Negovanka has cut a canyon about three kilometres long through limestone near the village of Emen, with walls up to seventy metres, and an eco-trail follows it on a path that runs along the bank, crosses on small bridges and is carried on wooden walkways where the rock closes in. At the far end is the Momin Skok waterfall, dropping about ten metres into a pool. There are caves in the walls, including the Emenska cave with prehistoric occupation, and the whole valley is wooded with beech and hornbeam. Flow is strong in spring and drops considerably by late summer, when the fall can be reduced to a trickle and the pools become still.

What you actually see

• Seventy-metre limestone walls - the canyon at its narrowest.
• The Momin Skok waterfall - a ten-metre drop at the far end.
• Wooden walkways - the path carried over the water where the rock closes.
• Caves in the walls - openings including the prehistoric Emenska cave.

When to go

April to October, with spring for the strongest water. Half a day for the walk both ways. Weekends bring visitors from Veliko Tarnovo. The path is slippery after rain.

Honest expectations

Flow drops sharply by late summer and the waterfall can be almost dry. Walkways are slippery when wet. Parking at Emen is limited. There is no shade at the open sections and no facilities on the route.

Nearby

Veliko Tarnovo is east; Nikopolis ad Istrum lies north.