In the lower reaches of a small tributary of the Bystroya Pine - the Vorgola, which is ten kilometers from Yelets, there are two objects that arouse increased interest among tourists. One of them is "Voronov stone" with an area of 9.5 hectares, and the second - "Vorgolskoe" (31 hectares). These two sites are located in a canyon-like valley. Vorgolsky rocks alternately frame either the right or the left slope, creating charming outcrops on the bends of the river. Everyone who has ever been here notes that the Vorgol mountains and the surrounding area look simply amazing.
Characteristics of plots
It is worth noting that such mountain landscapes are completely uncharacteristic of the Russian Plain. Thanks to the special climate, the Vorgola valley has become a refuge for many rare plant species that are more characteristic of the Caucasus and the Alps. Here, for example, you can find mountain ferns (Robert's shield, wall-mounted kostenets andhairy), high floristic diversity (more than 457 types of higher plants), the rarest plant species (Shiverekia Podolsk, Cotoneaster Alaun, Attracted mint, Fluffy currant, etc.). These tracts are of great value, so they were taken under protection. In particular, they are part of the Galichya Gora nature reserve.
Unearthly splendor of rocks
Vorgol rocks (Lipetsk region) are located on both banks of the river at an altitude of 40-50 meters. Rocky shores stretch upstream for several kilometers from the village of Nizhny Vorgol, forming a picturesque canyon-like valley, which is buried in greenery in warm weather. The legendary Vorgol caves are also located here. The largest is the rock-cave "Smoked Stone", which is dissected by a crack. According to legend, this “scar” near the rock appeared from the blow of a heroic sword. By the way, the Vorgolsky rocks are still fraught with many unsolved mysteries. This region has preserved traces of such great conquerors as Tamerlane, Batu, Mamai and others.
At the foot of this rock formation there is an entrance to a cave. Many old-timers say that the labyrinths inside the cave stretch for 3-5 kilometers, and several half-filled passages lead to its deep dungeon.
Raven Stone
This rock is located on the right bank of the Vorgol River, its area is 9.5 hectares. Visually, it seems that the mountain is, as it were, covered with huge limestone slabs. From top to bottom, it is dissected by a gorge, at the bottom of which there is an entrance to the cave. Inside it there is an 8-meter corridor that leads deep intorocks. It constantly narrows and at 40 meters completely turns into a narrow mink.
Vorgolskaya Valley
The height of individual rocks in the valley reaches 20-25 meters - these are Lisiy, Bolshiye Kichi, Voronov and Smoked stones. The Vorgol rocks are a haven for 7 species of ferns, lichens, oak forests and linden forests. Luxurious meadows stretch out near the foot of the rocks.
The world of fauna here is also quite diverse. The hawk moth lives in this region, as well as several types of bumblebees: reddish, steppe and moss, gray. Wild bees also live here - Tatar halikta and mountain andrena, their habitat is the Caucasus, the Urals, Western Europe. There are different types of vertebrates.
How to get from Moscow by car
As already mentioned, the unique Vorgol rocks are located in the Lipetsk region, 10 km from the regional center of Yelets. To get to these amazing places from Moscow, you first need to go to Voronezh (360 km) along the M4 highway. You reach Yelets, and after the traffic police post you need to drive about 1.5 km and turn right onto the “Key of Life”. Further, the road will lie through the railway tracks, and after the crossing you need to drive on asph alt, after 1 km there will be a sign N. Vorgol-Dernovka. Here you need to Dernovka (that is, to the right). The village of Dernovka can be reached by an asph alt road. We move the power plant, which will be on the left, and enter the first turn to the left after it.
After entering the village, you will see a store on the right, and a stop on the left, then drive along the asph alt to the fork andrun into the second bus stop. From here we turn left onto a dirt road. We get into a wide field and go straight along the same dirt road. After about a kilometer you will see a turn to the right. It leads to a small quarry, and to the right of it there will be a platform above the rocks. After driving a little more than a kilometer along the river bank, you will come to a dead end. This will be your final destination.
Vorgol rocks: how to get from Voronezh
If you go to the rocks from Voronezh, then first you should get to Yelets, cross the bridge over the river. Pine, then there will be another bridge over the railroad tracks. After you pass it, turn left at the crossroads onto the "Keys of Life" (after about 1.6 km from the railway bridge). And then we follow in the same direction, as already mentioned above.
Rail transport
From Moscow to Yelets can be reached by train in 8-9 hours. In the regional center we go to bus station number 1 and take a bus to Dernovka. Having reached the village, the main thing that you now need to see the Vorgol rocks is a map. With its help, finding the mountains will be easy.
Reviews of tourists
Everyone who saw the Vorgolsky rocks live (the photo of which is really mesmerizing) does not regret their trip one bit. On the contrary, this place calls to visit here again and again. When you come here, all these rocks resemble fabulous giants and dragons. And if you stand on the edge of the mountain, it seems that a light wind will now pick you up and carry you far, far along the river and peakstrees.
Seeing such amazing landscapes in Central Russia is like getting into some other world. When you go to the mountains, they are completely invisible from afar. The steppe is all around, and then suddenly there is a sharp cliff, an emerald river quietly murmurs below. And a little higher rise the snow-white cliffs. It seems that you are somewhere in the Caucasus or in the Crimea, but not on the territory of the Russian Plain.
Climbing Festival
Vorgolsky mountains have long been chosen by climbing fans. It even hosts an annual festival organized by the Climbing Federation of the Russian Federation, the authorities of the Lipetsk region and several other organizations. Under the terms of the competition, participants are offered 40 routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Adventurers must ensure their own safety. The winners are awarded a diploma and valuable prizes from the organizers of the competition. During the festival, participants live in tents, cook dinner together and sing along with the guitar.
A curiosity among the plains
According to many travelers, the Vorgol Mountains are not only a very picturesque area where many relic plants and animals have been preserved, but also a place with a unique energy. In this area, people begin to feel peace, tranquility and an incredible charge of vivacity. To see a bewitching panorama from the height of the rocks, to visit karst caves, where traces of the culture of the ancient Slavic peoples have remained, is simply an inexpressible pleasure. These mountainous formations are like an oasis among the endless plains, steppes andmeadows. It looks like they are growing out of the ground right in front of you.
However, to see these amazing landscapes with your own eyes, you first need to come to Yelets (Vorgolsky rocks are only 10 km from this regional center), and from there you will have to get directly to the mountains themselves. Such a trip will cause some inconvenience, but we assure you: it's worth it. Have a nice trip!
