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Description
Gradac River Gorge is 22.7km long, however, this description and map cover only its middle section, which is a sweet spot between accessibility and wilderness.
The clean waters of Gradac River are an ideal habitat for Vodenkos and Gorska Pastirica, which can be spotted along the whole covered route. Crvendać, Palčić, Drozd Cikelj, Crnoglava sjenica, and Kratkoprsti puzavac occupy deciduous forest in the gorge, as well as many woodpecker species. Steep cliffs along the gorge hide some special birding gems, like Crvenokrili litičar and Ušara. The river gorge is also the habitat of a number of rare plant and animal species, with otters being the most renowned.
There are several meadow beaches along the river gorge, with Šareno Platno in the middle of the covered section being the most famous one. They are the perfect place to stop, rest, and look at what is hiding on the surrounding cliffs and steep slopes. The lower stream of the Gradac River, north of the covered section is known for its many old water mills and a couple of fish ponds. This lower section is accessible directly from the town of Valjevo. The upper section of the gorge is dry most of the year, as the Gradac stream is there subterranean and flows underground. This upper section is not easily accessible as there are not many paths except the dry riverbed itself. The railway passes through the whole gorge, with numerous tunnels on the route.
Gradac River Gorge is part of the IBA Valjevske Mountains.
Details
Access
There are several entry points into Gradac River Gorge, but the most popular is the one at the Ćelije ("Cells") Monastery. Note the steep and very narrow road from Ćelijsko Brdo ("Cells' Hill") to the monastery, where passing by cars traveling in the opposite direction can be hard. There are two parking places near the monastery, a smaller one just before the monastery gates and a more spacious one inside the gates. Prefer the first one, follow the 'P' mark for directions. Once at the parking place take the wide path downhill to the Gradac River and continue along the narrow marked path upstream through the gorge. Gradac River is the cleanest river in Serbia, so be sure that it stays so. Walk only along the marked trails, do not break bushes or pick flowers, respect wildlife, and take all your waste back with you.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Canyon/cliff , RiverConditions
Hilly , FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , WinterBest time to visit
Winter , SpringRoute
Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Prefer visits during working days or early mornings at weekends, as many residents of the nearby town of Valjevo and nature lovers seize the narrow paths along the gorge.