Musala

The carriageway

Country: Bulgaria
Area name: National Park Rila
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 17-Aug-2012
Length (km): 29.5*
Elevation gain (m): 1620
Technical difficulty: ●●●●
GPS tracklog: download

* including hiking section with & without bike, see below text

Overview of mountain biking route

The route is located in central Bulgaria in National Park Rila. Musala at elevation of 2925m is the highest peak of Rila mountain, Bulgaria and Balkan peninsula. The first short section of the route is placed on the paved road and than follows the long and steep section on the rocky carriageway. Due to steep ascent count to hike with the bike most of the time. The final ascent section from Musala Hut to Musala peak is for hiking only. No need to take the bike on the peak. Due to many hikers on the trail and very rocky and steep path the downhill from the peak is not possible. Be warned, good hiking shoes are recommended to hike on Musala peak.

Getting there: Europe, Bulgaria, Sofia, Samokov, Borovets (National Park Rila).

Map of mountain biking route:

Description of MTB route:

The starting point of the route is at the parking place near gondola lift station in Borovets. Proceed on the paved road to the south course and then turn left at this junction. Near the junction there is a fountain too. The steep and rocky carriageway leads to the south course. Due to very steep ascent count to hike with the bike most of the time. At the ramp keep left and proceed on the path to Musala Hut. Musala Hut is standing at elevation of 2385m. I left the bike near the hut and proceeded to the peak. The labeled hiking path leads to Musala peak. There are many hikers on the trail. From the peak I returned back to Hut and than follows the downhill ride from Hut to Borovets. I used the same trail to ride back. Despite this downhill section is free of hikers be careful!

Elevation profile of MTB route: