Buta Gorges

The Buta Gorges (Cheile Buții) were carved by the Buta river (a tributary of the Jiul de Vest) through Jurassic limestone, on the Hunedoara–Gorj county border, in the Vâlcan Mountains. The steep walls, reaching about 100 m in height, shelter caves, springs and waterfalls, and the area is considered one of the most spectacular protected areas in this part of Europe.

The starting point for visiting the gorges is Buta Hut, at 1,580 m altitude, on the Piule–Pleșa ridge, with views toward Oslea and the Vâlcan Mountains. The hike, marked with a red cross trail, takes about 4 hours from the DN66A road.