Smečenská rokle, Natural monument in Smečno, Czech Republic.
Smečenská rokle is a deep gorge with steep walls of white marl located near Smečno in Central Bohemia. The Svinařovský stream runs through the canyon and has carved the high walls into soft stone over many thousands of years.
The gorge was created through stream erosion and received official protected status in 1987. This recognition meant the site was to be preserved as a natural monument and could not be altered.
The canyon displays layers of marl and limestone that draw geologists interested in understanding how the landscape formed. The steep walls have protected ancient trees from logging and create a forest that looks different from the surrounding areas.
Paths run through the canyon but they are not always clearly marked and require careful footing. The nearest bus stops are only a short walk from the entrance and offer a practical starting point for your visit.
The original trees here are older than in most nearby forests because the steep walls made traditional logging impossible. Visitors often notice the forest looks denser and wilder than the managed forests surrounding it.
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