Balečki Bridge and waterfalls on the Cetina River

At the mention of the Cetina River, most people will imagine its mouth at Omiš, the Radmanove Mlinice excursion site, or its spectacular source. Those who have explored a bit more certainly know about its imposing canyon near Zadvarje, adorned by the Gubavica waterfall. Cetina has a hundred faces and hides many interesting locations—from the view from the Nutjak fortress, through Trilj, to the Gala excursion site… If you head even further upstream, you will reach the Peruća Lake reservoir, the third-largest in Croatia. From there, further towards the sources of the Cetina, the area is less known to people, yet it also hides interesting corners. This time, we explored exactly one such spot: the trail between Balečki Bridge and the remains of an old mill on the Cetina.

Balečki Bridge (Balački Most) is a stone bridge built in 1907 during the Austro-Hungarian period. It is similar to many other stone bridges from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, if we exclude the cross, only expert connoisseurs would be able to distinguish this bridge from the Pavić Bridge, also on the Cetina, in the Omiš hinterland.

It is best to leave the car right by the bridge and start along the macadam path downstream towards the south. Although the greenery mostly hides the river, it is possible to descend to the water in several places.

After about 400 m, you reach a fork where the macadam continues right towards Peruća Lake. This path is not particularly attractive for hiking, but it could be interesting as a cycling route. The branch of the trail that goes left descends towards the remains of an old mill.

Here, the Cetina creates several small waterfalls. Downstream from the mill, many trees grow, providing pleasant shade. A bench has been placed in the most suitable spot, and the meadow behind it offers opportunities for recreation and a very pleasant half-day stay. Naturally, in warmer weather, one should watch out for snakes, but that is a standard recommendation.