The Stone Mushrooms: Bulgaria's Natural Rock Formations Near Kardzhali

The Stone Mushrooms (Kamenni Gabi) are a cluster of curious rock formations that rise from a hillside near the village of Beli Plast, in the eastern Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria. Shaped like giant mushrooms, with bulky pinkish stems and broad greenish caps, they are one of the country's most photogenic natural wonders.

How the mushrooms formed

The formations are the result of thousands of years of wind and water erosion acting on two different layers of volcanic rock. The lower layer, composed of softer, pinkish tuff, erodes more quickly than the harder, greenish volcanic rock above. Over time, the softer rock has been carved away, leaving tall columns with wide caps balanced on top. The tallest mushroom reaches about 2.5 metres in height, while others are smaller but no less intriguing.

Geologists classify the Stone Mushrooms as hoodoos or earth pyramids, similar to formations found in Cappadocia, Turkey. Local folklore offers a different explanation: according to legend, the mushrooms are the remnants of a giant's garden, turned to stone after the giant was defeated by a hero.

Visiting the Stone Mushrooms

The site is located about 15 kilometres north of Kardzhali, just off the road connecting the town with the village of Beli Plast. A short, well-marked path leads from the small car park to a viewpoint overlooking the formations. The walk takes about ten minutes and is suitable for most visitors, though the path can be uneven in places. The mushrooms themselves are fenced off to protect them from climbing and vandalism, but the viewpoint offers excellent opportunities for photography, particularly in the late afternoon when the rocks take on a warm glow.

There is no entrance fee and no opening hours, so the site can be visited at any time. However, early morning or late afternoon provide the best light and fewer visitors. There are no facilities at the site itself, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

What else to see nearby

The surrounding region of Kardzhali is rich in natural and historical sights. The ancient Thracian sanctuary of Perperikon is around an hour's drive away, as is the dramatic Stone Wedding rock formation near the village of Zimzelen. The town of Kardzhali itself has a regional history museum and the ruins of a medieval fortress. For those interested in water, the Kardzhali Reservoir, one of Bulgaria's largest artificial lakes, offers fishing and boat trips.

Practical tips

• Combine the Stone Mushrooms with a visit to the nearby Thracian sanctuary of Tatul, about 20 km away, which features an ancient rock tomb and solar observatory.
• The site is best reached by car, as public transport to Beli Plast is limited. If you don't have a car, you can take a taxi from Kardzhali.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the path is unpaved and can be dusty in summer.
• Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the mushrooms against the sky.