Is the Road to Baltaş Tepesi Unpaved?

Is the Road to Baltaş Tepesi Unpaved?

Turkey, europe

Length

37.5 km

Elevation

3,047 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Baltaş Tepesi in Turkey's Rize Province! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious off-road territory. At a whopping 3,047 meters (almost 10,000 feet!), it's one of Turkey's highest routes and totally unpaved, so a 4x4 is a must.

The 37.5 km (23 miles) journey from Çataldere to Ortaklar is packed with seriously steep sections, some hitting a 15% gradient. Expect a narrow, winding path with incredible views of the Black Sea region, but be warned: winter snow makes this pass impassable, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable, rugged experience!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
37.5 km
Max Elevation
3,047 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Rifugio La Baitahard

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Rifugio La Baita

🇮🇹 Italy

# Rifugio La Baita-Val di Rezzalo Perched at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) in Sondrio province in northern Italy, this mountain refuge sits within the stunning Stelvio National Park. Getting here is definitely an adventure—and honestly, you'll need a 4x4 to make it happen, as the road is closed to regular vehicles. Starting from Frontale along Strada Statale 38, you've got a solid 10.2 km (6.33 miles) of climbing ahead of you. The paved section gets you partway there, but once you roll past Fumero, things get seriously rough and unpaved. Fair warning: there are basically no guardrails, and what little protection exists is more symbolic than practical. The average gradient sits at a punishing 8.91%, with 909 meters of elevation gain—so yeah, it's steep. But here's why you'd make the journey: the views from the hut are absolutely incredible, sweeping across the entire valley below. In summer, it's the perfect basecamp for hiking adventures like Corno di Boero-Savoretta and the Sobretta Glaciers. Come winter, if you're equipped with snowshoes or off-track skis, you can tackle even more peaks like Pollore and the Savoretta Glacier. This road demands respect and proper equipment, but if you're up for the challenge, the rewards are genuinely spectacular.

A666 is The Devil's Road in Englandmoderate

A666 is The Devil's Road in England

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the A666 in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, England! This 25.9-mile (41.7 km) stretch of pavement, snaking from Pendlebury to Langho, has picked up some seriously spooky nicknames: The Devil's Highway and The Devil's Road. You'll also see it called Manchester Road, Bolton Road, or Blackburn Road, depending on where you are. Now, why the devilish moniker? Well, "666" isn't exactly known for sunshine and rainbows. The road also has a reputation for accidents, especially up on the moors between Egerton and Darwen, which has led some to believe this route might be cursed! If that wasn't enough, it's supposedly one of the most haunted roads in the UK! Keep your eyes peeled, because drivers have reported some seriously creepy stuff, like shadowy figures that materialize out of thin air on the West Pennine Moors. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking for a unique drive, the A666 is sure to leave an impression.

A paved road to Predil Pass in the Julian Alpshard

A paved road to Predil Pass in the Julian Alps

🇮🇹 Italy

# Predel Pass: A Mountain Drive Through Centuries of History Perched at 1,156 meters (3,793 feet) in the Julian Alps, Predel Pass sits right on the Italy-Slovenia border and marks one of Europe's most historically significant mountain crossings. This 7-kilometer stretch connects Cave del Predil in northeastern Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region to Strmec na Podelu in Slovenia's Littoral region, and it's been a critical trade route since Roman times. ## A Road with Serious Character Don't let the paved surface fool you—this isn't a leisurely drive. The road kicks up some seriously steep grades, hitting 13.1% gradient in places, and the endless parade of tight curves and switchbacks keeps you constantly working the wheel. Known as Strada Statale 254 on the Italian side and Route 203 in Slovenia, this Alpine pass demands respect and attention. ## History Carved into Stone Near the summit, you'll spot a striking stone pyramid topped with a bronze statue of a dying lion—a haunting monument to Austrian soldiers who held the fortress above during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a powerful reminder that these mountains have witnessed more than just casual tourism. What really fascinates is the pass's ancient pedigree. People have been moving goods and themselves over this route since Roman times, though the first proper road didn't arrive until 1319. Fast forward to 1903, and engineers carved out a 4.5-kilometer tunnel beneath the pass called Štoln to help miners from Log pod Mangartom reach the lead mines in Cave del Predil. That tunnel still stands as a testament to the region's mining heritage. If you're seeking a challenging Alpine drive with serious historical depth, Predel Pass delivers both in spades.

D918 is a challenging balcony road in Franceextreme

D918 is a challenging balcony road in France

🇫🇷 France

# D918: France's Most Thrilling Mountain Balcony Road Want to experience one of Europe's most heart-pounding drives? The D918 in the Pyrenees is calling your name. This iconic 45-kilometer mountain road stretches between the charming towns of Laruns and Argelès-Gazost, taking you on an unforgettable journey through some seriously dramatic scenery. ## The Setup Carved into the mountainside back in the early 1900s, this legendary "balcony road" hugs the edge of towering cliffs with hundred-meter drops on one side and sheer rock faces on the other. It's absolutely not for anyone with a fear of heights—seriously, this one demands respect. ## The Challenge The real test comes at the Cirque du Litor, where the road narrows to a single track winding through the upper Ouzom valley. There's barely enough room for two cars to pass, so you'll find yourself holding your breath and hoping nobody's coming the other way until things finally open up a few kilometers down the line. Add hairpin curves, unlit tunnels, and zero margin for error, and you've got yourself one serious adrenaline rush. ## The Views (and the Reality) You'll reach the summit at 1,713 meters (5,620 feet), where panoramic Pyrenees vistas reward your white-knuckle efforts. Just keep in mind: this road is typically closed December through June due to snow, and Mother Nature can shut it down anytime she feels like it. Drive slow, use those convenient pullouts, and soak in one of the most spectacular—and notorious—roads in all of France.