Peeshti Skali Reserve, Nature reserve in Tazha, Bulgaria
Peeshti Skali Reserve is a nature reserve in the Balkan Mountains near Tazha, Bulgaria, covered mostly by dense beech forests growing on steep slopes. The area also features rocky outcrops on the eastern side and provides habitat for bears, wolves, red deer, and golden and imperial eagles.
The reserve was established in 1979 to protect the old beech forests and the wildlife of the Balkan Mountains. It was later recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site for ancient beech forests across Europe.
The rocky formations on the eastern slopes of Kalofer Mountain produce a humming or ringing sound when the wind blows through them, which is how the reserve earned its name, meaning Singing Rocks. Visitors who walk near these formations on a windy day can actually hear this effect themselves.
The terrain is steep in many parts, so solid footwear is strongly recommended before heading out on the trails. Starting early in the morning gives you a better chance of seeing wildlife before the day gets busier.
Alongside the beech trees, the forest also contains sycamore, ash, and hornbeam, making the tree mix richer than most visitors expect. In spring, wild crocuses appear on the clearings before the leaf canopy closes over them.
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