Manínska Gorge, National nature reserve in Považská Teplá, Považská Bystrica, Slovakia

Manínska Gorge is a national nature reserve in the Súľov Mountains, near Považská Bystrica. The Manínský potok cut an epigenetic canyon through the Manín bradlo, dividing it into Veľký Manín and Malý Manín. The gorge lies between steep rock faces, with a paved road curving through the bottom and a triangular warning sign beside it.

The area received official protection in 1967 when it was designated as a nature reserve, with additional conservation efforts introduced decades later. These actions safeguarded both the rock formations and the plant life found there.

The gorge serves as a popular hiking destination where locals and visitors connect with the surrounding mountains. The narrow passage through rock walls draws people seeking outdoor recreation and natural exploration.

The marked educational trail starts in Považská Teplá, passes through Záskalie and the Kostolecká tiesňava reserve, crosses the Veľký Manín ridge at 891 m and descends past iron-rich mineral springs. Its twelve information boards cover geology, flora and fauna, and the full circuit takes about 3 to 4 hours. Sturdy shoes help on the wet, stony sections.

The gorge hosts more than 500 plant species within a compact area, making it one of the country's richest botanical areas. This concentration of plant diversity surprises many visitors who expect such variety only in much larger regions.