
Is the road to Soganli Gecidi unpaved?
Turkey, europe
78 km
2,372 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Soğanlı Geçidi in Turkey's Bayburt Province is calling your name, if you dare! We're talking about a sky-high climb to 2,372 meters (that's 7,782 feet!).
Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is rough, unpaved, and seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside with some major drop-offs. It's a true test of driving skill (and maybe a little bit of bravery!). One wrong move, and well, let's just say it's a long way down.
Heads up, winter warriors: this pass is usually a no-go zone when the snow flies. Even in June, you might find yourself in a winter wonderland, and fog can roll in anytime. Up top, you'll find a lonely, abandoned building – a spooky reminder of the elements up here.
Ready for the climb? Starting from Kılıçkaya, you've got 7.8 kilometers (about 4.84 miles) of steep, winding road ahead, packed with 12 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. You'll gain 594 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.61%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 78 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,372 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateCerrada de la Magdalena
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the sun-drenched Sierra de Cazorla, just north of Granada, Spain. The road? Cerrada de la Magdalena. It's not paved – think gravel, and pretty darn narrow at that. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure! The drop-offs are real, so keep your eyes on the road, especially around those blind corners. You don’t want to meet another car head-on! Nestled inside the Sierra de Castril Natural Park, it's usually manageable when dry, but after rain? Mud city! It can get seriously slippery, even impassable, so check the weather before you go. The whole stretch is only about 11.3 km, but those kilometers are packed with thrills and unbelievable views. Trust me, you'll want to stop and snap a ton of photos. And keep an eye out for wildlife! You might spot tracks from wild boar, foxes, beech martens, or even wildcats. It’s an incredible, unforgettable experience. Get ready for a road trip you won't soon forget!
hardDriving the scenic yet challenging A496 road in Snowdonia
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Snowdonia, Wales, for a spin on the A496! This fully paved beauty stretches for about 33 miles (53 km) from Llanelltyd up to Blaenau Ffestiniog, offering some seriously stunning scenery. Now, don't let the pretty views fool you. This road, nestled in Gwynedd, is rumored to be one of the trickiest in the UK! With twists and turns galore, you'll need to keep your eyes on the asphalt. It's easy to get distracted by the amazing coastal vistas, rugged mountains, and charming villages you'll be cruising through. Those views come at a price though —this road demands respect, and a lapse in concentration could land you in trouble. Give yourself about an hour to an hour and ten minutes to soak it all in. The route is a visual feast! You'll pass through quaint villages, enjoy breathtaking coastal panoramas, and navigate through mountainous terrain, including the majestic Blaenau Ffestiniog region, not to mention crossing two estuaries along the beautiful Cambrian Coast. It's a drive you won't soon forget!
hardFort de Pattacreuse
🇫🇷 France
# Fort de Pattacreuse: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Rhône-Alpes region sits Fort de Pattacreuse, perched dramatically at 2,385 meters (7,824 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a genuine mountain expedition. The path to this fortress is pure gravel, a rugged route that's been around since 1891. Along the way, you'll spot fascinating military structures dotting the landscape, remnants of the area's strategic past. Fair warning though: this road is only passable from July through August. Come winter (or basically any other season), Mother Nature closes the door—erosion and snow make it completely impassable from September through June. Even during the brief summer window when you can actually drive it, expect a genuinely bumpy, washed-out experience. The decades haven't been kind to this mountain road, and it shows in every pothole and ridge. It's the kind of drive that tests both your vehicle and your patience, but rewards you with some seriously stunning high-altitude scenery and the thrill of reaching a genuine fortress in the clouds.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Gorges de la Spelunca
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Corsica, west coast, sunshine... and the Gorges de la Spelunca! This canyon road, snaking between Ota and Évisa (east of Porto), is a total stunner. We're talking dramatic landscapes carved out by the Spelunca river itself. The D124, all paved don't worry, stretches for about 9km (that's 5.5 miles for my American friends) from Porto up to the D84. Now, fair warning: if you're not a fan of twisty-turny roads, this might test your patience. It's a classic Corsican seaside drive – super curvy and pretty darn narrow. Speaking of narrow, keep your eyes peeled! This route gets busy, especially in the summer months. You WILL want to stop and snap some pics (trust me), but please, please, PLEASE don't block the road or park willy-nilly. Find a safe spot, soak in those views, and keep the traffic flowing! Rock slides are also a risk so keep an eye out!