Cheile Tișiței Nature Reserve

Cheile Tișiței Nature Reserve is the largest protected area in Vrancea County, covering 2,726 hectares, located in the hydrographic basin of the Tișița river, on the territory of Tulnici commune, within Parcul Natural Putna-Vrancea. Designated as a nature reserve in 1973, it is a mixed-type protected area encompassing hydrogeomorphological, forestry, floristic, faunistic and landscape values. Access is via DN2D, crossing Valea Putnei on a viaduct and following signposts for approximately 1.2 km. The access point "Gura Tișiței" is situated at an altitude of 580 m, near the resort of Lepșa. The gorge section proper — referred to as the "canyon of Vrancea" — extends from the confluence of the Tișița with the Putna to "Tunelul Mare", spanning approximately 7 km with a 200 m change in elevation. The valleys are narrow, with nearly vertical walls, alternating with small basin-like depressions (La Pândar, Lunca Largă, Gurguiata). A surprising historical detail: the trail follows the former embankment of a forestry railway built by the Germans during World War II to transport timber between Coza and Lepșa — which makes the route accessible and easy to follow, with no significant elevation changes. The current forest has regenerated naturally — the entire area had been cleared in the 19th century. The flora includes edelweiss (visible in bloom in July–August on "Altarul Tișiței"), mountain rose, lady's slipper orchid, thyme, hornbeam and spurge laurel. The fauna includes chamois reintroduced in 1982 — visible on rocky ledges — as well as brown bear, lynx, wolf, pine marten and otter. The Tișița stream is also well known for its trout populations. The Pândar refuge, managed by Parcul Natural Putna-Vrancea, is equipped with a hide for photographing wildlife. In the Lepșa area, visitors can also explore Rezervația Lepșa-Zboina and Cascada Putnei.