Plizio Visual Lab

Sušica Canyon

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

valley

Weather…

The Sušica Canyon is one of the most spectacular and pristine sections of the Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro. This gorge was carved by glacial activity and the Sušica River, whose name (meaning 'the dry one') refers to the fact that its waters often disappear into the porous karst ground during summer months. The canyon reaches depths of up to 800 meters and is flanked by steep, forested cliffs that serve as a vital habitat for chamois and golden eagles. A unique natural phenomenon is Sušičko Lake at the canyon's floor, a periodic glacial lake that forms during the spring snowmelt and completely vanishes by late summer. The flora within the canyon is diverse, including rare alpine species and dense stands of beech and black pine. Due to its remote location and challenging topography, the canyon remains a sanctuary for Balkan wilderness and a significant site for geological research and mountaineering.

Location: Montenegro
Top sights: Crvena Greda · Veliki Štuoc · Mali Štuoc
Nearby: Zabljak (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	2	7	11	15	18	18	13	9	4	-1
Rain mm	134	131	121	93	89	83	52	49	104	124	162	152

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Access to the canyon is mostly via a steep, winding road from the village of Nedajno or from the Zabljak side. The road leads down to the mountain hut near the seasonal lake.

📅

Best season

Spring is well-suited if you want to see Sušica Lake full of water from melting snow. By late summer, the lake usually dries up entirely, transforming into a lush green meadow.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The bottom of the canyon features a relatively flat, grassy basin. However, the trails descending into the canyon and ascending the other side are very steep and physically demanding.

🎒

What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots are crucial for the steep inclines and declines. Hiking poles will greatly assist your knees during the sharp descent into the deep canyon.

🅿️

Parking

Parking is usually found at the mountain hut (Planinarski dom Sušica) at the bottom of the canyon. Spaces are limited, so parking carefully along the narrow approach road may be necessary.

⚠️

Safety

The single-lane dirt roads leading into the canyon require very cautious driving, especially with oncoming traffic. Ensure your vehicle's brakes are in excellent condition.

⏱️

Time needed

Stopping to admire the viewpoint and driving down to the lake bed takes about two hours. Hiking across the canyon from rim to rim is a strenuous full-day trek.