Wolf's Gate Gorge

Wolf's Gate Gorge (Ushchelye Volchyi Vorota) is a narrow ravine on the slopes of the Pshaf ridge near the village of Chibiy in the Seversky District of Krasnodar Krai, about 40–50 km from Krasnodar, roughly an hour's drive away.

Nature

The ravine was carved by the Bolshoy Chibiy stream near the headwaters of its central source. The passage is very narrow — about 50 meters long and on average only about a meter wide — while its sandstone walls rise 10 to 30 meters high. Because of the constant dampness, the walls and floor are covered in moss, and ferns grow thickly around it. About a hundred meters to the side lies a similar ravine, the Bear's Gate, and together the two are known as the Chibiy Gorge.

Legend

According to local legend, the gorge takes its name from the surrounding forests, which centuries ago were home to large wolf packs — hence the stone "gate" became known as the Wolf's Gate. Local accounts also say that in the mid-19th century, carts carrying food to Goryachy Klyuch regularly passed through this area and were attacked by wolves, which is likewise linked to the ravine's name.

Getting there

It is best to travel by private car or chartered bus, since public transport only reaches the stanitsa of Kaluzhskaya, about 8 km from Chibiy. In Chibiy, cars are usually left at the stop past the "Sidreriya" farm or on the edge of the village. From there, a hiking trail about 3.5 km long along a forested ridge leads to the gorge.