Hiking and Mountain Biking
in Rhodope National Park & Leivaditis Waterfall
Hiking and Mountain Biking in Rhodope National Park & Leivaditis Waterfall
Discover the Rhodope Mountains and Thrace's wilderness
The Rhodope Mountains rank among Europe’s most biodiverse regions, shaped by their geography, geology, and the critical fact that glaciers never reached these peaks. During ice ages, species from Central and Northern Europe migrated south and found sanctuary here. Today, this marks their southernmost range across the continent.
The central and western mountain zones harbor some of Europe’s most pristine wilderness areas, supporting diverse habitats and rare plants and animals that exist nowhere else.
Despite its compact size, the Greek portion of Rodopi contains extraordinary variety. Vegetation zones transition dramatically – Mediterranean scrubland gives way to continental forests, which climb toward alpine meadows and boreal conifers typical of far northern latitudes. This ecological compression creates remarkable diversity within a small geographic footprint.
North of Xanthi, the mountain terrain features virgin forests, towering peaks, and powerful waterfalls. The Nestos River valley is surrounded by traditional mountain settlements called Nestochoria.
Among these are the Pomak villages (Pomakochoria), are known for their distinctive cultural traditions and striking architecture that reflects centuries of mountain life.
The Rhodope National Park protects these wild landscapes, offering hikers and mountain bikers access to terrain that remains largely unchanged – a rare find in modern Europe.
Leivaditis Waterfall - The Balkans' Highest
Hidden treasure awaits in Leivaditis village, 50km northwest of Xanthi. Here stands the tallest waterfall in the Balkans, known as Leivaditis or Trahoniou Falls. Water plunges dramatically from 40 meters, creating a powerful and thunderous cascade.
The village sits just beyond Stavroupoli, at the border between Xanthi and Kavala prefectures. To reach the waterfall, follow a marked mountain trail starting from the village at 1,260 meters elevation and descending to 860 meters.
The mountain streams support diverse amphibian life including salamanders, common newts, common toads, European green toads, yellow-bellied toads, European tree frogs, Balkan stream frogs, Greek stream frogs, and common frogs. Reptiles recorded in the area include Mediterranean tortoises, slow worms, rare sand lizards, European green lizards, grass snakes, Montpellier snakes, Aesculapian snakes, four-lined snakes, and vipers.
The forests shelter large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, and roe deer, alongside more common species like wild boar, foxes, and hares.
Exceptional Wildlife & Biodiversity
This scenic route rewards both hikers and mountain bikers with spectacular views before arriving at the magnificent waterfall.
Adjacent to the village spreads the Chaintou Forest with Arkoudorema, a protected natural monument featuring numerous trees over 250 years old.
Following the marked 4km trail through dense vegetation from the Forest Village of Erymanthos, you’ll reach Gyftocastro peak at 1,745 meters, offering panoramic views extending into Bulgaria. The moderate distance and gentle gradients make this accessible for families with young children. The 40-meter vertical rock face of the waterfall itself is both impressive and imposing.
The broader region hosts exceptionally rare bird species. Near the waterfall area, you’ll encounter short-toed snake eagles, goshawks, sparrowhawks, rock nuthatches, eagle owls, tawny owls, long-eared owls, black woodpeckers, woodcocks, wood pigeons, dippers, wrens, nightingales, song thrushes, Sardinian warblers, long-tailed tits, crested tits, treecreepers, bullfinches, and numerous other species thriving in this pristine habitat.
Rhodope National Park Highlights: Waterfalls, Trails & Cultural Sites
Leivaditis Waterfalls
Virgin Forest of Fraktos and the Achladorema waterfalls
Lepida Forest and waterfalls
Elatia Forest and Stravorema
Peaks at Chaintou Gyftocastro (1,828m)
Chaintou or Drymos (1,608m)
Erymanthos or Antalofos (1,569m)
Mavri Petra (1,586m)
Sarakatsani gathering in the Leivaditis area
Bridges “of Leonidas,” “of the Priest,” “of Stamatis,”
“Dipotamon,” “Palaio Fylakio” and several more, located in Xanthi and Drama prefectures
Nestochoria villages
Pomak villages (Xanthi Prefecture)
Macedonian Tomb
Experience the Wild Heart of Rhodope
We customize every mountain adventure to match your vision. Whether you’re planning a solo escape or bringing a group of up to 10 people, we tailor the itinerary to your dates, group size, and skill level for both mountain biking and hiking. From transfers, accommodation in mountain villages to daily activities exploring waterfalls, forests, and peaks, we create a complete Rhodope experience that fits your pace and preferences.
From solo travelers to groups of 10, we handle everything – mountain accommodation, guided trails, equipment, and daily activities designed around your interests and abilities. Contact us with your dates, group size, and experience level, and we’ll craft your perfect Rhodope mountain experience.
Every adventure with us comes fully equipped for success and safety, led by our licensed mountain guides and tailored to create a personalized mountain vacation in Greece. We offer hiking and mountain biking experiences suited to your level of experience. Contact us with details about your dates, number of participants, and experience level, and we will get back to you with a quote.
English 
Greek