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RussiaOverview and Is It Worth Visiting
Lermontov Rock (also known as the Dinosaur Plateau) is a picturesque cliff located 4 kilometers from Kislovodsk in the Olkhovka River gorge, near the village of Narzanny. In 1961, the site was listed as a natural monument and became part of the M. Yu. Lermontov State Museum-Reserve. The rock is mentioned in the work "Princess Mary" — it was here that the duel between Pechorin and Grushnitsky took place. This place is particularly notable not only for its literary history but also for its unique geological finds — fossilized dinosaur footprints were discovered here.
The rock is a steep cliff 20 meters high. The layered cream-yellow sandy limestones are stacked in a stepped formation with horizontal niches. On one side, the rock is surrounded by a deep ravine, and on the other, the Olkhovka River flows. From the top point of the cliff, there is a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The rock itself is located as if at the bottom of a small plateau, like in a stone sack. To get close to it, you'll need to descend a trail — this will take 5-10 minutes. By the way, there's a shallow river at the bottom where you can cool off on a hot day. Tourists sometimes set up tents here — it's a suitable spot, with fresh water nearby.
In autumn, hawthorn grows abundantly in these places, so if you enjoy picking berries, bring a basket or a food container. You can also collect herbs for mountain tea here, if, of course, you know the varieties. Be careful during your walk: cattle sometimes graze here, so there's a chance of stepping on "waste."
The area where the rock is now located was a center of life for ancient tribes around the 8th century BC. During archaeological excavations, several ancient burial sites were discovered. Inside these dolmens, there were tools, weapons, and jewelry. According to scientists, the first settlements here date back to the Bronze Age. Based on the artifacts found, archaeologists suggest that the rock served as a site for rituals.
You can climb Lermontov Rock, but be careful: the climb requires some skill and is not for everyone. But if you decide to do it, you'll be able to see the surroundings from an unusual angle. For those who want to combine a visit to the rock with a walk through the park, we recommend stopping by the Lermontov Waterfall along the way.
Dinosaur Footprints: The Dinosaur Plateau
This place is also called the Dinosaur Plateau, and for good reason. Fossilized dinosaur footprints, estimated to be about 135 million years old, were discovered here. This makes the attraction interesting not only for fans of Lermontov's work but also for anyone interested in paleontology and Earth's history. An information sign is installed near the find site, and the footprints themselves are marked with paint for easy identification.
Important! Look for the dinosaur footprints immediately on the upper platform, where you arrive from the road, not down below or on the slope. They are located directly on the rock outcrops. There is an information sign nearby that says "Dinosaur Plateau 135 million years."
🕐 Opening Hours
24/7.
💵 Entry Fee / Ticket Price
Free.
🚶 How to Get There
Lermontov Rock and the Dinosaur Plateau are located 4 kilometers from Kislovodsk in the Olkhovka River gorge, near the village of Narzanny (Lermontov Rock on the map).
By taxi: The fastest and most convenient way. From the center of Kislovodsk, the trip will take about 15-20 minutes and cost approximately 300-350 rubles (3.53).
By public transport: City buses #10 and #11 are suitable; they run through the tourist area. You need to get off at the "Sadovoye Obshchestvo" stop (before reaching the village of Narzanny). The fare is about 35 rubles (0.49). From the stop, you'll need to walk about 1 km to the rock.
On foot: Hiking enthusiasts can walk from the center of Kislovodsk in 1-1.5 hours (about 5 km as the crow flies). A more scenic, but also longer route (7-10 km) goes through the Kislovodsk National Park. This will take about half a day. Many tourists do this: they take a taxi or bus to the rock and then return on foot through the park — this way, they see more and don't get tired at the start of the walk. There are few signs along the way, so we recommend using a navigator or maps on your smartphone.
Video of Lermontov Rock
To get a better idea of what this place looks like and what awaits you, watch a short video. Of course, no recording can convey the atmosphere of the ancient plateau and the grandeur of the rock, but it will help you get your bearings. We recommend seeing it all with your own eyes!
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