Cheile Bicazului – Harghita Slope

Cheile Bicazului, Harghita slope, represents the western sector of one of the most spectacular gorges in the Eastern Carpathians, cut by the Bicaz River through the limestone massif of Munții Hășmașul Mare. The gorge has a total length of approximately 8 km, and in its narrowest section, known as "Gâtul Iadului", the rocky walls reach heights of over 300 m, with a distance of only a few metres between the two slopes. The slope belonging to Harghita County lies in the vicinity of the locality of Lacu Roșu, at coordinates 46.80°N, 25.80°E, and is directly accessible from DN12C, the national road linking Gheorgheni to Bicaz, which traverses the entire gorge. Geologically, the gorge is carved through Jurassic and Cretaceous limestone ranging in age from 150 to 100 million years, with the rock displaying numerous fissures and cavities that shelter specialised rupestral flora, including endemic and glacial relict species. The area is included within Parcul Național Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș, officially established in 1990, with a total area of approximately 6,575 hectares, protecting limestone ecosystems unique at national level. The fauna includes the chamois, the golden eagle, and various bat species. Access is by private car or public transport on the Gheorgheni–Bicaz route. The site is well worth visiting for the rarity of its karst landforms, its exceptional floristic diversity, and the opportunity to observe the geological stratigraphy directly exposed in the gorge walls.