Gradac River Canyon
Gradac River Gorge, is located in the Municipality Valjevo, only 5 km southwards. Gradac River Gorge is one of the most attractive areas in this part of Serbia. Striking dimension with frequent vertical divisions and dynamic morphology, a large number of underground and surface karst forms, numerous meanders and erosion, make the gorge of the Gradac river one of the most picturesque natural landscapes of Serbia. Large areas under forest in the area surrounding the Gradac River Gorge are part of its original environment, and clean waters of the Gradac river – her wonderful decoration. Natural ambience world – units, plants and animals of specific and extraordinary valuable landscape features and habitats of a number of rare plant and animal species of the Gradac River Canyon provide various conditions for outdoor activities and the special charm of this intact natural area. In the largely mixed deciduous forest of the Gradac River area, their habitat has a large number of birds, such as finches, buzzard, hawk and many species of rodents: hedgehog, dormouse, forest dormouse, bank vole, and hunting venison: deer, wild pig, rabbit, fox, mink, marten, quail, grouse, partridge. Last years the presence of the very rare species of mammals was recorded in the canyon of the Gradac river – otters, which is assumed to be extinct from this area. The presence of otters indicates a rich and varied wildlife in the water. In the Gradac river live 10 indigenous fish species (flow trout, graying, chub…). The hydrological phenomenon of the Gradac source greatly contribute to the beauty and special value of the Gradac river.
Apart from its natural beauty, the area of Gradac river gorge is characterized by a number of cultural monuments, which testify to the presence of humans in this area since the Paleolithic, through the Roman period and the Middle Ages to the present. The Celije Monastery, Lelic mill, High Cave, Kastrum, the remains of a medieval fortress in the village of Branegovic testify about past times and rich heritage… while numerous observation points nowadays provide visitors to look further and wider, along the pure environment of the Gradac gorge. The Gradac River and its almost inaccessible canyon and surrounding area is exceptional destination for memorable team building programs which include memorable amazing outdoor activities – hiking, canyoning, jumping into the river, kayak ride, water games and common competitions, …. and fantastic relief and relaxation in the intact nature…
Thanks to the distinctive landscapes and natural rarity and values, the area of the Gradac river gorge is protected as a landscape of exceptional features and makes one of the cleanest natural settings of Serbia.
