Kolesino Falls

The Kolesino falls drop around fifteen metres on the Belasica slopes a short distance west of Smolare, reached by a path that follows the stream up through woodland with wooden bridges crossing it several times, taking about twenty minutes. The setting is more enclosed than Smolare and the pool at the base is deeper. Both falls are usually visited together as a pair from Strumica. Belasica forms the border with Greece and Bulgaria along this ridge, and the streams that make both these falls come off its northern flank through chestnut woodland that covers most of the slope.

Background

The falls belong to the Municipality of Novo Selo and lie above the village of Kolešino, fed by the Baba River at an elevation of 610 metres on Mount Belasica. The water spreads over the rock face in several separate streams that join again in the river below. The flow shifts with the seasons: in winter the thinner streams can freeze, while spring rain makes them run much harder over the cliffs. The site is open all year and has a wooden bridge for viewing the falls, benches, and a picnic spot with a roofed gazebo and a grilling area.

Source: Wikipedia, "Kolešino Falls"

Highlights

• The fall - a drop of around fifteen metres into a pool.
• The stream path - the route up with wooden bridges crossing the water.
• The woodland - the beech and chestnut the path runs through.
• The pool - the deeper basin at the base of the fall.

When to go

April to June after snowmelt gives the strongest flow. Late summer thins it. Weekends bring local visitors.

Practical notes

Flow drops in late summer. The path is short but slippery when wet. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Smolare Falls are east, and Strumica is north-west.

Key facts