Where is the Kemaliye Stone Road?
Turkey, europe
8.7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in eastern Turkey, smack-dab in the Erzincan Province, ready for an adventure. Forget your smooth highways, because you're about to tackle the Kemaliye Stone Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a hand-built path clinging to the side of the Kemaliye Karanlık Canyon, a gorge so deep the sun barely peeks in (it's the second biggest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon).
Spanning just 8.7 kilometers from the D877 to Gümüşçeşme, it sounds short, right? Don't be fooled. This narrow track, often less than 2 meters wide, snakes its way through a staggering *38 tunnels*. Yes, you read that right, 38! These aren't fancy, well-lit tunnels, either. They're carved right into the rock, a testament to the sheer willpower of the locals who started building this thing way back in 1870 and didn't finish until 2002. That's over 130 years!
Why so long? Because the terrain is brutal. You're hugging cliffs hundreds of meters above the raging Euphrates, with no guardrails to save you from a tumble. This isn't a road for the faint of heart, or for larger vehicles (think less than 170cm wide and 220cm tall). And definitely avoid it in winter, or even wet conditions, when the dirt turns to treacherous mud. But if you're an experienced driver craving a thrill and some truly surreal scenery, the Kemaliye Stone Road is calling your name. Just remember to take it slow, and maybe say a little prayer at the memorial for those who lost their lives building this insane, incredible road.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateDarwin Road is a drive you'll never forget in the Falkland Islands
🇬🇧 England
Hey adventurers! Ready for an unforgettable road trip? Then buckle up and hit Darwin Road in the Falkland Islands! This epic gravel route snakes its way across East Falkland, linking the vibrant capital, Stanley (a quirky, colorful seaside gem), to the quaint settlement of Darwin. This isn’t your typical Sunday drive. Darwin Road stretches for 92 km (57 miles) across some seriously stunning landscapes. You’ll want to take it slow, though. The road surface is loose gravel, so keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and share the road. Local speed limits are chill: 25 mph (40 km/h) in towns and 40 mph (64 km/h) elsewhere. Now, for a bit of history: after the Falklands War, some areas might have minefields, especially around Stanley. Don’t worry, they’re all fenced and clearly marked. Seriously, stick to the marked paths, and you’ll be fine. If you're hiking solo, grab a map from the military office in Stanley just to be safe.
moderateThe old and abandoned road to Puerto de Rañadoiro
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Spain, in the gorgeous Asturias region, ready for an adventure. You stumble upon what used to be the epic Puerto de Rañadoiro, a mountain pass soaring to 1,178m (3,864ft). Now, heads up, the old road over the top is currently a no-go for vehicles as it's being dismantled – a tunnel bypasses it now! But back in the day, this paved road, nestled in the Sierra de Rañadoiro mountains, was a stunner, and super steep. Think hardly any traffic and stunning views for 11.3km between Cangas del Narcea and Degaña, with an average gradient of 5.3%. Known as ‘Camino Real del Trayecto’ this route was a medieval hotspot. Whilst technically open year-round, winter could throw a curveball with short closures due to bad weather. Nowadays you can whizz through the Rañadoiro tunnel, a 1.924m tunnel that’s part of the 3,930 meters bypass of the AS-15 that replaced the old 11.3km route over the port. Still, if you're into history, imagining what it was like on this old medieval highway is pretty cool, right?
hardCasetón de Ándara Refuge
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugio Casetón de Ándarca: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Looking for a real adventure? The route up to Refugio Casetón de Ándarca isn't for the faint of heart. This high-altitude refuge sits at 1,720m (5,643ft) in the stunning Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain, nestled within the famous Picos de Europa National Park. Fair warning: if you're a novice driver, this isn't your road. The trek follows an old mine road that's entirely unpaved—think rugged, unpolished, and seriously challenging. This is a legit mountain drive complete with jaw-dropping views and, yeah, some genuinely sketchy dropoffs. You'll need nerves of steel and solid driving skills to handle the steep grades, with some sections hitting a brutal 15% incline. Starting from the CA-1 road, you're looking at a 3.4km ascent that climbs 407 meters with an average gradient of nearly 12%. It's relentless but absolutely worth it for the scenery. Timing is everything here—stick to late spring through early fall when the weather cooperates. During winter and shoulder seasons, snow can make this route downright treacherous. And yes, a 4x4 vehicle is non-negotiable; anything less and you're asking for trouble. This is the real deal for adventurous drivers who crave a challenge and aren't afraid of some serious mountain roads.
extremeHow long is the F26 Road (Sprengisandsleið) in Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're in Iceland, craving adventure, and someone whispers "F26." This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the Sprengisandsleið, a legendary highland gravel road smack-dab in Iceland's Southern Region. This beast stretches for 232 km (144 miles) through the Sprengisandur area, a desolate plateau stuck between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. It's the longest of Iceland's infamous F-roads, a proper challenge that hasn't changed much since medieval times. Just imagine the stark, raw scenery as you roll past Hekla volcano, marking the southern entrance. But wait, there's more! This road climbs to a lofty 861m (2,824ft), making it one of Iceland's highest. It usually opens late June, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Keep an eye on the weather, because rain and heat can turn those glacial rivers into raging monsters. Thunderstorms? Lightning? Yeah, those are on the menu too. Speaking of rivers, get ready to ford some! You'll encounter several unbridged crossings, and the water can get up to a meter deep. Daytime's cool, but nighttime? That's when the road's said to get a little… haunted. Gas is non-existent here, and the stations at Hrauneyjar and Goðafoss are a whopping 240km (149 miles) apart. Don't be that unprepared driver begging for fuel at Nýidalur! The Hagakvislar river, near the Nýidalur hut, is the main event. It's unpredictable, swelling with rain and a strong current. River crossings need experience. Don't go solo or during heavy rain – it's a recipe for disaster. Wait for another vehicle, assess the current, depth, and riverbed. Remember, rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage. Big potholes, ruts, boulders – this road is rough. You'll need a serious 4x4 with good clearance. Forget your cute compact car. The F26 cuts through Iceland's heart, its empty, stunning interior. Be prepared to be alone – it's remote and not heavily trafficked. Think endless grey sand, rocks, and glaciers looming in the distance. The enduring image? Nothingness. So, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable Icelandic experience, the F26 is calling your name. Just be prepared!