Goat's Gorge

Introduction

Located in the western part of Transylvania, the Capra Gorges are included in a protected area of natural interest and are also part of botanical and geological nature reserves. Alba County is the area where these natural wonders can be found and admired, specifically in the southern part of the Trascău Mountains. The town that administers them is Zlatna, as they fall within its administrative zone, and the Feneș Valley is the watercourse that runs through them.

Legal Status

Law No. 5/6 March 2000 is the legal document that regulates the status of these natural treasures as a nature reserve. The importance of this document is even greater considering that the designated area covers 15 hectares. To recognize the entrance to the Capra Gorges, it is crucial to identify the two columns (in fact, cliffs) that mark it, which are made of gray limestone. Their composition includes:

• Conglomerates
• Clay schists
• Other types of sandstones

Flora

In terms of flora, it is predominantly arboreal and includes a variety of beech and hornbeam species. Additionally, there is a high number of plant species found here, including:

• Cuckoo's corn
• Yellow dead-nettle
• Alior
• Bulrush

Name and Landscape

Nevertheless, the truth is that the actual name of the reserve is the Feneș Gorges, as the Feneș Valley is the one that runs through them. The current name differs due to the rocky columns at the entrance, known as the Capra Stones.

Immediately after entering the Capra Gorges, the landscape is dreamlike – steep walls, plateaus, and other rocky cliffs, adorned with residual micro-relief, are traversed by a dense forest and torrential valleys.

Tourism

Tourism in the area is high due to numerous elements, particularly the possibility of mountaineering and sport climbing. All information regarding the difficulty level or the name of the trail you are heading towards is inscribed at the beginning, at the base.

Wildlife

However, the Capra Gorges are part of the wild fauna, which is why deer, foxes, lynxes, wild boars, black vipers, bears, and roe deer can often be spotted. To reach the destination, it is imperative to access it via National Road 74 between Alba Iulia and Abrud or from the village of Feneș. From here, a forest road appears to the north, which you must follow.

Conclusion

The Capra Gorges represent one of nature's greatest treasures, often highlighted by foreign tourists who come to engage in various extreme sports in this area. Additionally, the clean air and breathtaking views are two other attractions that have led to an increase in visitor numbers year after year.