A well hidden secret.
Certainly the eastern part of North Macedonia is not geared up for tourism. There are a few Guide Books for Macedonia, the best one I have found is the Bradt guidebook to North Macedonia .
https://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/europe/north-macedonia.html
Driving through the city of Kocani and taking the road up to the mountain towards Euro Hotel Gradce (occasionally there are signposts) you eventually arrive at the Lake Gradce.
In the summer months the restaurant on the water is open and you can eat and drink looking out across the lake.
If you drive past this restaurant following the mountain road going past Euro Hotel on your right and take the small road leading up the mountain. This is a windy narrow mountain road, keep going, approx 5 km, until you see a sign on the rocks saying “Waterfall 150m” You can park the car on the side of the road and follow the footpath (not signposted) towards the waterfall.
A few tips before you go: wear long trousers and closed shoes. Cover yourself in Anti-mosquito spray. And run!
The first part is a fairly steep decline down, it is best to keep moving as the mosquito’s actually stick to you at this point and have a feast! I find the best idea is to move as fast a possible swinging your arms as you go.
The next best idea is to take someone with you who the mosquito’s are attracted to! (Apologies here to my son-in-law who looked like a leopard by the time we got out of there π ).
A fallen tree on the pathway 
The rickety bridge crossing the stream 
Following the stream to the Waterfall 
The waterfall 
It is possible to swim in the shallow water here. Its freezing cold but very refreshing.
It is absolutely beautiful and quite important in the hot summer months very cool.
The min side: Macedonia has yet to realise the importance of preservation of the countryside. Maybe because there is enough of it they don't have to think about it. Whatever.. it is no excuse. But be warned; this beautiful tranquil place is ruined by the fact that the picnic areas are strewn with empty plastic bottles, plastic bags, food, nappies etc etc. I am continuously amazed, shocked and sad by this and hope that one day it will change. The only answer at the moment is in the words of Ghandi "be the change you want to see".
Wanderings in North Macedonia 
[…] a pleasant spring afternoon, we left our car at one of the restaurants and walked the 2 km to the waterfall. This is a steep incline and I recommend taking enough refreshments with you as by the time you get […]
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