Abandoned + extreme = old Krasnaya Polyana road! It is not advised to walk on it without a helmet. Find out where it is, how to get there and what to see.
Today, a comfortable and wide track leads to Krasnaya Polyana, but not so long ago a trip to a mountain village was not so safe. The rocky section with a tunnel near the village of Kepsha was especially scary: the rocks hang slightly over the road, and rockfalls often occur. They write that the people called this road "Carry, Lord".
The highway was built in very difficult conditions. He had to literally cut through the rock with picks and shovels. Read about the history of the road construction - the article contains interesting facts and old photographs.
Now the old Krasnaya Polyanskaya road has long been abandoned and has become a landmark in Sochi. Despite the danger, they conduct excursions, arrange photo shoots, walk dogs and just walk along the picturesque bank of the Mzymta River.
We love abandoned places and decided to definitely visit this rocky area. At first it was scary to go, because the road is strewn with small stones, and in some places there are also impressive cobblestones. Come to your head like this - it will not be sweet!
In some places, the road collapsed badly and fell into the river. Several times it was heard how the rocks were crumbling, and twice the stones knocked on the roof of the half-tunnel. If you decide to visit a rocky area, be careful. I read a story that a little boy died on this road several years ago during a landslide.
What to see
The road is picturesque, it's just nice to walk here, look at the stormy Mzymta and admire the height of the rocks. This is an excellent location for filming post-apocalyptic films: the abandoned tunnels draw in with a dark mouth, the rays of the sun fall beautifully through the edges of the half-tunnel, somewhere below the river is boiling, lizards rustle in the foliage, stones are quietly crumbling.
In one of the tunnels, at its narrowest section, you will see the icon of the Mother of God, and a little further, a white monument stands out from the rock in honor of the soldiers of the Red Army.
Approximately in the middle of the road is the first of the ribbed half-tunnels - the ones most often photographed. There is also a good observation deck. Approximate coordinates: 43.605288, 40.038397.
Even from this road, you can admire the brand new cable-stayed bridge.
Helpful information
- Walk with caution and listen to the rustle of stones. For a long time no one has followed the rocks, so rockfalls happen. Ideally, have a helmet (but who has one!).
- It is better not to take children with you.
How to get there
It is very easy to get to the rocky section of the old Krasnaya Polyana road by car. If you go from Krasnaya Polyana, you need to leave the new highway and turn left right in front of the Kepshinsky tunnel into the parking lot of the firemen of the Ministry of Transport. We left the car there. Parking coordinates: 43.613911, 40.048822.
If you are driving from the Adler side, also leave your car in front of the tunnel. On the right there is a small area for 4 cars. Approximate coordinates: 43.598201, 40.023799.
Find out all the most important about the road to Krasnaya Polyana from Sochi and Adler.
It is impossible to enter the rocky section of the road by car - it is blocked off by a barrier on both sides.
Buses also run - no. 105, 105c, 135 to the stop "Kepsha", but after you have passed the entire section, you will have to return to the stop.
If you don't have your own car and don't want to go by bus, take a guided tour:
