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Description
The Bicaz Gorge is a very scenic canyon that serves as a passageway between the Romanian provinces of Moldova and Transylvania. It is situated in the central part of the Hășmaș Mountains, and it is part of the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The road along the 10 kilometres of ravines, often in serpentines with rock on one side and a sheer drop on the other, is one of the most spectacular drives in Romania. The gorge has a part that is so narrow that it is known as 'Hell's Gate'.
Bicaz Gorge has several species tied to canyons that are easy to spot here. Murløber and Alpesejler are the most sought after species here along with the critically endangered Apollo Butterfly. Among the other birds you can encounter are Klippesvale, Kongeørn, Alpe-jernspurv, Hjerpe, Tjur, Tretået Spætte, Sortspætte, Nøddekrige, Vandstær, Gråspætte and Bjergvipstjert.
Details
Access
The Bicaz Gorge is located in the north-east of Romania. The canyon is about 10 km long, running from Lacu Roșu to Bicaz-Chei. The road through the gorges (National road DN12C, also known locally as Cheile Bicazului) is totally paved but pretty narrow, with tunnels and 12 hairpin turns. The gorge twists and turns steeply cutting through sheer, 300m-high limestone rocks. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as the ‘Hell's Gate’ (Gâtul Iadului).
The area is best accessible by car. Click on a P in the map for directions to a parking spot. Also worthy to visit by foot is the Suhardul Mic (Kiscohárd) peak (1 hour trekking from the main road, also indicated on the map).
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Canyon/cliff , MountainConditions
Mountainous , RockyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Summer , AutumnRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
A nice stop in the surroundings is the Mushroom Bungalow (65 km) which has suitable accommodation and also you can have guided birding trips in the surroundings for Hvidrygget Flagspætte, 7 tit species, 6 woodpecker species, and most alpine and mountain species.
Links
- Accommodation Mushroom Bungalow location
- Photo Bicaz Gorge by Stanisław Ludwiński, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons