Cheile Oltețului, Nature reserve along Olteț River in Gorj County, Romania.
Cheile Oltețului is a nature reserve along the Olteț River in Gorj County, featuring sheer limestone walls that rise dramatically on both sides of a narrow gorge. The canyon stretches through a landscape shaped by the Southern Carpathian Mountains, creating a confined natural corridor.
The area received official protection status under National Law No. 5 in 2000, recognizing its ecological importance to the region. This designation reflected growing awareness about conserving natural landscapes in the Southern Carpathians.
The Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu initiated conservation projects in 2010 to protect biodiversity and educate about environmental preservation.
The reserve is accessible via marked trails that wind through the gorge and connect to nearby landmarks and hiking routes. The paths are clearly marked, making navigation straightforward for most visitors.
Hidden within the limestone walls lies Polovragi Cave, an underground chamber where temperature remains constant year-round. The cave shelters a significant bat colony that draws the attention of nature enthusiasts.
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