Romania’s most spectacular canyon – Cheile Nerei National Park

by Diana Ionascu February 24, 2016

If you are looking for wild scenery and tranquility, Cheile Nerei is the place to go. A reservation known for its wild, untouched places, it offers a restful break from civilization. Between the Sopotul Nou and Sasca Romana localities, throughout around 20 km, Nera crosses a spectacular, narrow gorge, forming the longest canyon in Romania. The walls are up to 200m high, as the water of Nera and of its tributaries dug and formed into the limestone rock lakes, canyons, caves and cascades.

The most impressive spots in the park are Lacul Dracului ( Devil’s Lake, the largest karstic lake in the country, 9.3 m deep, formed by the collapse of cave roof), Valea Rea (Evil Valley) canyon, Ochiul Beiului Lake, Beusnitei Cascades which succeed one another on the gulch, Voinii Cave, Pestera Mica (Little Cave), Pestera Mare (Big Cave).

Location

The Cheile Nerei – Beusnita National Park is located in the South-West of Romania, Caras Severin County
Geographic coordinates in the central area are 44º 45 ‘north latitude and 21 ° 53’ east longitude.

Road acces
The only national road that reaches the park is DN 58, Caransebes – Resita – Anina.
The city of Caransebes is located on E 94 ( DN 6 ), between Timisoara and Drobeta Turnu Severin. You can also reach Resita from Timisoara on DN 58 B, 120 km. Points of access to the park: Oravita, Sasca Montana, Sopotu Nou, Carbunari, Bozovici, Anina.

The two access roads to the park are DN 58 (asphalt road, Caransebes – Resita – Anina, 84 km) and DN 57 B (asphalt road, Baile Herculane – Bozovici – Anina – Oravita). They reach the park but visiting the park is possible only by foot or by bike.

Here are the waymarked trails available in the park:

Symbol	Waymark trail	Duration
Red stripe	SOPOTU NOU – CHElLE NEREI – SASCA ROMANA	8 – 9 h
Blue stripe	SASCA ROMANA – PODUL BEl – LACUL OCHIU BEI – ANINA	7 -8 h
Blue triangle	LACUL OCHIUL BEIULUI- BEUSNITA	1 h
Blue cross	SASCA MONTANA – CASCADA SUSARA – CHElLE NEREI ( LACUL DRACULUI )	3 – 4 h
Yellow Stripe	CHEILE NEREI – VARFUL HABATULUI – IZVORUL TISULUI ( TISIEI )	2 – 3 h
Blue dot	CHElLE NEREI – POIANA MELIUGULUI- IZVORUL TISULUI	2 h
Red dot	CHElLE NEREI-SAT STANCILOVA	2 h
Red cross	LAPUSNICU MARE – POIANA ROSCHI – CABANA CERBU	4 – 5 h
Yellow triangle	LAPUSNICU MARE – POIANA ROSCHI – VARFUL LEORDIS – POIANA FLORII – POD PAULEASCA ( CALUGARA )	5 – 6 h
Yellow stripe	TABARA MINIS – POD PAULEASCA – BEIUL SEC	5 – 6 h