Just east of Vanadzor the Tandzut river — locally still called Sev Jur, the Black River — cuts a sharp gorge through dark basalt before it joins the Pambak. A modest path from the eastern edge of the city follows the rim and drops down to the water in places, with views back to the mountains and over to the wooded slopes above.
It is not a long walk, but the contrast with the orderly Soviet grid of central Vanadzor is striking — within twenty minutes you are in something that feels properly wild. Wear shoes with grip, and be careful near the unfenced sections of the upper rim. Avoid in heavy rain or just after snowmelt, when the path turns slick.