Rhodope Mountains, mountain system, south central Europe, mainly in south-western Bulgaria and extending into the eastern part of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and north-eastern Greece. One of the most rugged regions of the Balkans, it reaches a maximum elevation of 2,925 m (9,597 ft) in Musala, a peak in Bulgaria. The mountains, which are forested and contain many lakes and narrow river valleys, sustain a tourist industry. In addition, there are important hydroelectric plants throughout the region.