Raysko Praskalo

Raysko Praskalo, the heavenly spray, drops about a hundred and twenty-four metres in a single fall from the edge of the plateau below Botev peak in the Central Balkan park, which makes it the highest waterfall in Bulgaria and probably in the Balkan peninsula. The water comes from snowmelt and springs on the plateau above, so it runs hard in late spring and early summer and reduces sharply by August, and in some dry years it nearly disappears. Reaching it means a walk of four to five hours from Kalofer up the Byala reka valley through beech forest and then open ground, with a hut on the way, and the return makes it a long day or an overnight. The fall is in a strict reserve zone and the path is the only access.

Background

The fall is 124.5 m high and lies at 1,700 m below Botev Peak, 2,376 m, in the Dzhendema Reserve of the Central Balkan National Park; it was declared a natural landmark in 1965 and is one of the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. Kalofer is 11 km to the south, and in clear weather the fall can be seen from the town. Its water comes from snow drifts on Botev Peak and forms the Praskalska, which runs south-east for some 500 to 600 m down the gentle grassy slope to the edge of sheer cliffs, the Rayskite Skali, and drops into the Southern Dzhendem; the Praskalska feeds the Byala reka, a tributary of the Stryama. The Ray hut, with 120 beds at 1,435 m below the fall, is where the trails start, and the cliffs draw many climbers.

Source: Wikipedia, "Raysko Praskalo"

What's there

• A 124-metre single drop - the highest fall in Bulgaria.
• The plateau edge above - water coming off the ground below Botev.
• The Byala reka valley walk - beech forest then open ground on the approach.
• Snowmelt flow in early summer - the fall at its strongest in June.

When to go

June to September, with June and early July for the strongest flow; by late summer it is much reduced. A long day or an overnight at the hut. Start early and watch the weather on the open section.

What to expect

It is a long walk with significant height gain and the return is on tired legs. Flow drops sharply after early summer and can disappoint. Weather on the upper section changes fast. There are no facilities beyond the hut.

Nearby

Kalofer is at the foot of the valley; Botev peak is on the plateau above.

Key facts