Trails are marked with painted stripes on rocks and trees; the colour identifies the route and matches the boards at trailheads. Marking quality varies — in the Rhodopes it can be faint.
Mountain huts are simple, cheap and often unstaffed outside season. Book ahead in summer weekends, and carry cash.
Weather turns fast above the treeline. Afternoon thunderstorms in July and August are routine; start early and be down by two.
Brown bears live in Rila, Pirin, the Rhodopes and the Central Balkan. Encounters are rare and attacks rarer; make noise on blind corners, do not camp near rubbish, and never approach a cub.
Ticks are present from spring to autumn — check yourself in the evening. Water from mountain springs is generally drinkable and marked; river water is not.
Tell someone your route. Mobile coverage is good on ridges and absent in valleys.
