The tumultuous "Cepelare River" runs through the Cepelarska Valley. Footbridges span the river in many places, enabling visitors to explore the paths and anglers to watch out for their catch. The mountain stream occasionally runs into lakes lined with small restaurants, some of them with music and dancing, and stalls for tourists. Beyond Backovo monastery, the landscape changes: the wooded valley, where Mediterranean species dominate, becomes more austere and one soon enters an impressive gorge flanked by a rock face on either side.