Bicaz Canyon (Cheile Bicazului)

Bicaz Canyon is a very picturesque area in Romania located in the central part of Hăşmaş Mountains, in north-east of the country, which create a connection between Harghita and Neamt counties. The canyon is bounded on the north and northwest by mountain Suhardul Mare (1506 meters) and to south-east by Suhardul Mic (1352 meters).

Bicaz Gorges were formed by the Bicaz river together with its tributaries, of which the most important is the river Bicajel.

Bicaz Gorges have a length of 6 km and stretches between The Red Lake and Bicazul Ardelean locality. They are crossed by the Transcarpathian DN12C road which is linking the cities of Gheorgheni (Harghita county) and Bicaz (Neamt county) and which offers a great view.

Bicaz Canyon are included in the Bicaz Canyon-Hasmas National Park – which has protected areas like Red Lake, Bicaz Canyon, Sugaului Gorges and the Mountain Hasmasul Mare.

On the limestone walls of Bicaz Gorges are many caves, including the Black Cave (Pestera Neagra) and Falls Cave (Pestera Cascada), and avens (Licas and  the Pothole with Three Entries). All small tributary streams created other gorges such as: Lapos Gorges, Bicajel Gorges or Sugaului Gorges.

During the stroll in Bicaz Gorges some of the things one can admire are The Altar Stone (Piatra Altarului) – rocky massif of 1,120 meters high and the stone massifs Pintestilor Stone (847 meters) and Scorching Heat Stone (835 meters).