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
hardA memorable road trip to Lago di Place Moulin
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago di Place Moulin is a stunning high mountain reservoir perched at 1,968m (6,456ft) in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy. The drive from Bionaz kicks off on a paved road that's definitely on the narrow side with some genuinely steep pitches—but that's exactly what makes it so special. This is one of those classic winding mountain drives that'll have you grinning the whole way up. Most of the route follows a decent-sized road with minimal traffic and surprisingly few hairpin turns. Instead, you'll cruise slowly uphill through charming little villages, each with their own cute town signs proudly displaying the altitude. The lake itself sits nestled in the Bionaz valley, making for picture-perfect surroundings. Once you reach the lake, things get a bit more rugged. A rough dirt road branches off toward a high mountain refuge at 2,005m, and if you're up for it, this gravel stretch is worth exploring. The 4.6km route is surprisingly well-maintained for several kilometers, offering gorgeous views along the narrow lake before things get rougher toward the far end.
hardA memorable road trip to Gap of Dunloe in Kerry
🌍 Ireland
The Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry, Ireland, is a mountain pass that’s not for the faint of heart! Perched at 246m (807ft) above sea level, this scenic route might churn the stomach of those prone to car sickness, or those uncomfortable with narrow mountain roads. Stretching 9.6 km (5.96 miles) from Dunloe to Hollywood in the southwest, the paved road is...let's just say it's showing its age. Be prepared for a white-knuckle drive along single-track roads with hairpin bends and bridges that feel barely wide enough. Nestled between two majestic mountain ranges, the road isn’t forgiving, with steep sections hitting a 19% gradient! Passing other vehicles can be a real challenge, and you'll likely find yourself sharing the road with horse-drawn traps. Traffic jams involving cars and horses are surprisingly common. Larger vehicles should think twice before attempting this route. If you're a nervous driver or unaccustomed to extremely narrow roads, you might find it hard to appreciate the scenery. Cyclists, be warned, there have been accidents. The Gap of Dunloe is a major tourist hotspot, especially in summer, thanks to its location among Ireland's highest peaks. Consider leaving the driving to the locals – you'll enjoy the views far more without the stress! Five stunning lakes dot the landscape within The Gap. Daytime drives are possible but not recommended, as the area teems with walkers, cyclists, and those iconic jaunting cars. The Gap of Dunloe is a highlight of the Ring of Kerry, a world-renowned scenic drive loved by locals and tourists alike.
moderateA classic road trip to Varbitsa Pass
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Road 7 in Bulgaria, right on the border of Burgas and Shumen provinces. This is Varbitsa Pass, and it’s perched way up at 900 meters (almost 3,000 feet!). The whole thing is paved, which is a plus, but be warned: some sections get seriously narrow. You'll be winding your way through the Balkan Mountains for about 35 kilometers (22 miles), heading north to south from the town of Varbitsa to Beronovo. The views are gorgeous, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderateIs road 862 in Iceland paved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Road 862, or Dettifossvegur as the locals call it, is an absolute must-do when you're cruising around Northeastern Iceland. This beauty leads you right to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Forget gravel and dust – this road is paved! That's right, even your little rental car can handle this one with ease. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking views along the western side of the Jökulsá river. Trust me, the landscapes are worth the drive. Spanning about 50.7 km (31.5 miles) inside Vatnajökull National Park, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to soak it all in. The road winds north to south from Road 85 (south of Thvera) so it's easy to find. This one's seasonal so be sure to travel between April and December. Even in summer, services can be limited.