Defileul Jiului National Park, National park in southwestern Romania.
Defileul Jiului National Park is a protected area in the Southern Carpathians that stretches between the Vâlcan and Parâng Mountains. The Jiu River cuts through this landscape, carving a deep gorge and creating distinct zones of forest, meadow, and rocky terrain.
The government established this protected area in 2005, with the decision formally recorded in 2006. This official status began the organized effort to preserve the river valley and its mountain ecosystems.
The park territory extends across two Romanian counties, with Gorj County containing ninety-two percent and Hunedoara County eight percent of the total area.
The best time to visit is from spring through autumn when trails are accessible and weather is stable. The terrain is mountainous with steep sections, so proper footwear and planning ahead are important.
The gorge is home to a rare cliff vegetation adapted to the extreme conditions of the narrow valley. Visitors can encounter plant species that grow only on these specific limestone walls.
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