The Enipeas gorge and easy walks

Can you walk the Enipeas gorge right now?

In parts, with care. Since the September 2023 floods several bridges are down and there are river crossings and collapsed sections, so ask in Litochoro or at Refuge A about current conditions before you go.

In June 2026 the Thessaloniki mountaineering club described the path as impassable at points without risky detours and called for repairs. Hikers now wade the river at some crossings, which is fine on a dry summer day and a very different matter after rain. No official closure has been announced, so the path is not signed shut, but it should not be treated as a smooth, fully open walk.

Refuge A lists a Litochoro to Prionia alternative route around the broken bridges: about 11 km, 742 m of ascent and 5.5 hours. You can find it among the official route pages, and the refuge staff give daily advice on conditions.

How long is the Enipeas gorge hike?

About 11 to 12 km between Litochoro and Prionia, 5 to 6 hours uphill and less going down. Most people walk it downhill from Prionia, which is also how the guided tour does it.

The full path climbs about 1,000 m from Litochoro, at 293 m, to Prionia, at about 1,100 m. Walking it downhill from Prionia saves most of the climbing, and you can reach Prionia by taxi or car on the paved road from Litochoro. Add time for the detours and river crossings described above, and more in midsummer: reviewers of the guided tour found it tiring in the heat.

If you want to continue up from Prionia toward the peaks, that is the start of the summit route, covered in the summit guide.

The guided gorge hike goes about 12 km from Prionia down to Litochoro, past the Bath of Zeus, the old Agios Dionysios monastery and waterfalls, with a professional mountain guide who knows the current detours and a transfer to the trailhead. Rated 4.6 from 19 reviews. Check conditions when you book.

★ 4.6 (19) · 6 hours · Full refund up to 24 h ahead

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What is the Bath of Zeus?

A deep green pool on the Enipeas river in the lower gorge, near Litochoro. It is the most visited spot in the gorge and the turnaround point for several day tours.

The day tours from Katerini and Athens walk to it, and the private day from Thessaloniki walks the lower gorge to the waterfalls. Reviewers show why it pays to check first: once it was closed for rockfall, and on another day a gorge walk was replaced because of a fire-safety closure. The Katerini minibus tour gives you time on your own at each stop, and the private Olympus day has an English- and German-speaking driver-guide.

What is there to see at Prionia and Agios Dionysios?

Prionia, at about 1,100 m, is the end of the road, with spring water, toilets, a cafe-restaurant and parking. Below it, the old monastery of Agios Dionysios stands on the gorge route and is open to pilgrims from April to October.

Prionia is where the summit path starts, and even a short walk here puts you in tall forest under the cliffs. The monastery sits in the gorge between Prionia and Litochoro, and you can reach it by road as well as on foot, which makes it a good stop for anyone who wants the scenery without a long walk.

If you would rather not drive the narrow road, the highlights walk covers Prionia, the national forest by the Enipeas, the monastery and the park visitor centre, with lunch in Litochoro. One reviewer called it a tour of the highlights by car rather than a hike, which is the point.

Where are the easy waterfall walks near Mount Olympus?

Near Litochoro, the Agia Kori waterfall trail leads to a cold pool, and west of Dion the Orlias waterfalls are a few minutes on foot from a chapel. Both make a good half day.

• Agia Kori waterfall: the walk used by the Dion day trip. Reviewers call it more of a stroll, but the start is steep and slippery in places, with a rope handrail.
• Orlias waterfalls: about 4 km by road west of Dion. Two falls are about 5 minutes on foot from the Agios Konstantinos chapel.
• Further up the Orlias: a longer path leads on to more falls, reported at around an hour on foot.
• Lower Enipeas gorge: from Litochoro you can walk a short way into the gorge and turn back, but check the state of the path first.

Can you go canyoning on Mount Olympus?

Yes. A half-day canyoning trip from Thessaloniki takes you down a canyon on the mountain with jumps, slides, natural pools and abseils, led by certified instructors.

All equipment is provided, including shoes, and there is hotel pickup in Thessaloniki and a photo album afterwards. Beginners are welcome; it is not for children under 10 or adults over 70. It is the most active way to see the water side of Olympus, and one of the highest-rated trips on the mountain.

Jumps, slides, pools and abseils in a Mount Olympus canyon with certified instructors and all the gear. Rated 5.0 from 324 reviews, with hotel pickup in Thessaloniki and a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours ahead.

★ 5.0 (324) · 6 hours · Full refund up to 24 h ahead

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Which Olympus walks work with children?

The short walks at Prionia, the Orlias waterfalls and the Agios Dionysios monastery suit children best. Leave the full Enipeas gorge for older, steady walkers while it has storm damage.

One reviewer of the highlights walk brought a 7-year-old and found it a good fit. The Agia Kori trail works for children who walk well, with a hand on the slippery start, and its pool is a safe, calm place for a cold dip on a hot day. Canyoning starts at age 10. For older teenagers who want to see the high mountain, the walk from Prionia toward Refuge A is a real mountain hike; what that involves is in the difficulty guide.

What should you wear for the gorge and the easy walks?

Walking shoes or boots with a good grip, and sandals or old trainers if you expect to wade. Carry water, sun protection and a light layer, even on a hot day.

• Grip matters: wet roots and polished stones near the water are slippery.
• Plan to get wet: on the full gorge you may cross the river on foot where bridges are down.
• Water and shade: midsummer afternoons are hot even under the trees.
• Stay on marked paths: the park rules allow walking on existing marked trails only, with no fires and no wild camping.
• Check fire-risk days: on days of very high fire risk, authorities can close forest areas, so check before you go.

For the season on the lower mountain, see the best time guide.

Frequently asked questions