I3 – Demir Kapija – Lebedovo Lake – 134.1 km

Section I3 is arguably the most diverse section of the entire Macedonian Endless Trail. This journey takes you through a landscape of extraordinary contrasts: from dramatic limestone gorges riddled with caves to the lush, waterfall-laden slopes of Belasica Mountain. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient archaeological sites, dense old-growth forests, endemic plant species, mysterious monolithic rock formations, and dozens of cascading waterfalls – some of the most beautiful in the Balkans.

Beginning in the little town of Demir Kapija, famous for its wine production and dramatic gorge, the trail winds through southern Macedonia’s most enchanting terrain. You’ll traverse the remote green ridges of Gradeška Planina, explore the karst landscapes of Plavuš Mountain, and ultimately climb into the high forests of Belasica – a mountain range straddling the borders of North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Greece. This section is a paradise for nature photographers, waterfall enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to experience Macedonia’s most pristine wilderness.

Trail Overview

Total Distance	134.1 km (83.3 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time	6-8 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Highest Point	Semer Kajas / Zvezden Vrv (1,877 m / 6,657 ft)
Trail Marking	Fully marked and maintained
Best Season	April-June (peak waterfall flow), September-November
Trail type	Mostly mountain narrow paths, some forest road, some dirt road, no asphalt road
Backpacking type	Wild camping, Hut to Hut in the southern part

Section Highlights

• Demir Kapija Gorge with the famous ‘Windows’ cave formation
• Endless green ridges of Gradeška mountain – one of Macedonia’s most remote regions
• Endemic cactus species in the Suva Reka canyon
• 20+ waterfalls including Angel’s, Zelen, Zavesa, Kotel, Razigran, Gabrovo, Kolesino and Smolari
• Monolithic sanctuary – impressive rock formations
• Roman Baths archaeological site near Bansko
• Old-growth beech forests of Belasica

Elevation profile:

Google MAP- ( How to use it ? )

Gallery

Essential Planning Information

Best Time to Visit

While Section I3 can be hiked year-round, spring (April-June) is ideal for experiencing the waterfalls at their most powerful and the wildflower meadows at their most colorful. Early autumn (September-October) offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful fall colors in the forests. Summer can be quite hot in lower elevations, though the high forests of Belasica remain comfortable. Winter is possible but requires proper equipment for snow and ice if there is snow at the mountains.

Water Sources & Resupply

Water is abundant throughout Section I3. Numerous streams, springs, and waterfalls provide frequent opportunities to refill. However, always carry sufficient capacity (2 liters minimum) between known sources. Water in higher mountain streams is generally safe, but use your judgment or treatment methods as needed.

Villages along the route where basic supplies are available: Demir Kapija (full services at start), Valandovo (accessible with short detour), Bansko, Gabrovo ( small store ), Kolesino ( small store ), Smolari.
You can also hitch or call a ride to Valandovo from the crossing of the main highway road at Valandovsko brdo.

Accommodation

Accommodation options are limited but present. The Vančo Atanasov and Šarena Češma mountain huts on Belasica may offer basic lodging (inquire in advance). Some villages may have homestay options. Demir Kapija, Valandovo and Bansko have hotels and guesthouses. The Lebedovo Lake complex at the trail’s end offers accommodation. Wild camping is tolerated, follow Leave No Trace principles.

Wildlife & Environment

Belasica’s old-growth forests are home to diverse wildlife including wolves, wild boar, deer, fox and numerous bird species. Store food properly when camping. The monolithic sanctuaries and archaeological sites are culturally significant – treat them with respect.

GPS track

The GPS track for section I3 contains all waypoints, markers, points of interest photos, and digital elevation data

Download the complete GPS track ( English version 15.02.2026) :

KML format for this section HERE

GPX format for this section HERE

For explanations of marker meanings, trail types, and coding used in the GPS files, consult the technical information page HERE

Detailed Segment Descriptions

Section I3 is divided into six distinct segments, each showcasing different aspects of southern Macedonia’s natural beauty.

Segment 1: Demir Kapija to Volčak

Distance: ~18 km
Difficulty: Moderate

The section begins on the outskirts of Demir Kapija, a charming little town famous throughout Macedonia for its wine production with several popular wineries located within the town. After just a few kilometers and crossing the main highway toward Valandovo, the trail leads you into the heart of the spectacular Demir Kapija Gorge. This dramatic limestone canyon is a landscape photographer’s dream, featuring towering cliffs, numerous caves, and the iconic Demirkapiski Prozori (Demir Kapija Windows) – a natural formation that frames stunning views of the gorge from it’s “windows”

The path through the gorge offers constantly changing perspectives of this scenic terrain, with frequent opportunities to explore cave entrances and appreciate the geological drama. After passing the Prosek archaeological site, you gradually leave the gorge behind and enter forested terrain on the slopes of Sreden Rid. After traversing this ridge, the trail emerges onto a wide forest road that descends gently toward the base of Volčak. Cross Bukova Reka (Beech River), and the forest road transitions to a steeper mountain trail leading to the base of Volčak, which can be optionally summited via an alternate route.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained.

Segment 2: Volčak to Kara Tepe

Distance: ~32 km
Difficulty: Moderate

From the base of Volčak, the trail circles around the peak, following mostly narrow mountain paths except for one brief section on a wide dirt road. The transversal then climbs via forest trail to the ridge of Gradeška Planina, where it joins an older forest road. The path continues to follow near the ridgeline, alternating between forest roads and mountain trails.

This segment offers sweeping views of Gradeška Planina’s southern slopes – an endless vista of green mountains and ridges stretching to the horizon. This is one of the wildest and most uninhabited regions in the country, with no nearby settlements. The terrain here features minimal elevation change, allowing for relaxed hiking and maximum appreciation of the stunning surroundings.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained.

Segment 3: Kara Tepe to Valandovsko Brdo

Distance: ~12 km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

From the base of Kara Tepe, you’re now on Plavuš Mountain, following a beautiful mountain trail specifically routed to showcase Plavuš’s most interesting terrain. The path was carefully designed for the transversal to highlight the mountain’s diverse landscapes, offering magnificent views across the entire Valandovo valley at various points along the way.
The trail alternates between passages above caves carved into Plavuš’s rocky slopes and sections through beautiful forests interspersed with green meadows. The contrasts are striking – from bare karst limestone to lush vegetation within short distances. Via brief side paths, you can summit both Kara Tepe and Milkin Vrv for even more expansive views.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained.

Segment 4: Valandovsko Brdo to Asalk

Distance: ~18 km
Difficulty: Moderate

After crossing the main highway at Valandovsko Brdo, the trail descend via mountain trail into the Suva Reka (Dry River) region. The path passes near the small canyon of Suvа Reka and Gocev Waterfalls. This area is also notable for a unique botanical feature: one of the few locations in Macedonia where you can observe endemic cactus species growing naturally.

In the Suvа Reka valley, transition to a wide forest road leading toward old Memešli village. This area is particularly enchanting, with green meadows bursting with wildflowers in every color imaginable – the specific blooms depend on the season, but spring and early summer are especially spectacular. From here, the trail transitions to a narrow mountain path leading along the southern slopes of Belasica Mountain.

This region will captivate you with its scenic beauty and abundance of waterfalls. Numerous cascades – both large and small -are either directly on the trail or just a short distance away. This is waterfall paradise.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained.

Segment 5: Asalk to Bansko

Distance: ~14 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

From the Asalk area above Kočuli village, the trail begins climbing toward the higher elevations of Belasica. Initially, the route alternates between rocky terrain offering wide panoramic views and the lush river valley of Čamdak Dere, passing several more waterfalls and pools carved into the riverbed by centuries of flowing water.

The transversal then climbs to the ‘Garden of the Monoliths’ – the site of the famous monolithic sanctuaries featuring impressive and mysterious rock formations. These towering stone pillars have attracted spiritual seekers and curious visitors for millennia. After exploring the monoliths, the path quickly reaches the Belasica ridge and passes through the small mountain settlement of Murtinski Kolibi toward the area known as Tiha Dolina (Quiet Valley).

From the Vančo Atanasov mountain hut, the trail begins descending the northern side of Belasica toward Bansko village. The descent initially follows a forest road through the deep, primeval forests of Belasica. Eventually the route transitions to a narrow mountain trail leading to the Bansko village.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained.

Segment 6: Bansko to Lebedovo Lake

Distance: ~30 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

The trail continues through the outskirts of Bansko village, passing the notable Rimski Banji (Roman Baths) archaeological site. Following a nearly level trail, you’ll reach the first waterfall on this side of Belasica – the Gabrovo Waterfall. Side paths in the Gabrovo area provide access to additional waterfalls higher up the stream.

The main trail climbs briefly and emerges onto a wide dirt road, which descends to the magnificent Kolešino Waterfall – one of Macedonia’s most spectacular and photographed waterfalls. From here, the transversal climbs more steeply toward the highest peaks of Belasica, passing through sections of remarkably pristine old-growth forest – the kind of ancient woodland that has become increasingly rare throughout Europe.

Upon reaching the ridge, the path follows a wide forest road toward Gjavolski Most (Devil’s Bridge), where it branches off onto a mountain trail that leads to and passes directly beneath the summits of Visoka Čuka (1,845 m) and Semer Kajas / Zvezden Vrv (1,877 m) – the highest point of Section I3. After passing Semer Kajas, the trail descends to the Šarena Češma mountain hut and continues down to the famous Smolari Waterfall. From there, the route passes through the agricultural lands of Smolari village, descending to the Lebedovo Lake complex, which marks the end of Section I3.

Trail Status: Fully marked and maintained except for one short section (~500m) in the middle segment between Kolešino Waterfall and the Belasica ridge, where recent logging operations have damaged the trail. GPS navigation may be necessary for this brief section.

Experience the Journey

With its abundance of water, relatively moderate terrain, and extraordinary natural features, this section is suitable for a wide range of hikers while still offering the sense of wilderness and adventure that defines the Sammiana experience.

From the drama of limestone gorges to the tranquility of old-growth forests, from the power of cascading waterfalls to the mystery of ancient monoliths, this section showcases the incredible diversity of Macedonia’s natural heritage. Each day brings new wonders, each turn in the trail reveals new beauty. This is hiking at its finest -challenging enough to feel accomplished, rewarding enough to leave you breathless.

Enjoy hiking – Leave only footprints – Take only photographs