A Comprehensive Travel Guide to the Forests of Georgia
Georgia is a country of incredibly diverse landscapes, from its majestic Caucasus Mountains to its humid subtropical forests. For nature enthusiasts, Georgia’s forests offer some of the best hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor exploration opportunities in Europe. This guide will provide everything you need to plan your ultimate forest adventure in Georgia.
With over 40% of its land area covered in forests, Georgia is a paradise for tree lovers. The country’s forests range from humid broadleaf forests in the western lowlands to evergreen coniferous forests in the high mountains. These verdant natural spaces provide habitat for many unique plant and animal species while also holding deep cultural and historical significance for Georgians. From the remote Tusheti Protected Areas to the community forests near towns like Borjomi, there are endless options to experience Georgia’s forests responsibly.
Getting to Georgia
Georgia has three international airports in its capital Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi which offer direct flights from major European cities. Overland, Georgia can be reached via Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. While Georgia has no visa requirements for Western countries, travelers should research if they need any special permits or paperwork for certain border crossings or protected areas.
Within the country, a developed bus network connects most destinations while the budget-friendly Georgian Railway serves major cities. Having your own car allows the most flexibility for hard-to-reach forest areas.
Top Forest Destinations
When it comes to top forest destinations in Georgia, there are a few standout options:
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The most renowned forest area is Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Home to almost 1,000 species of plants and rare endemic animals like the Caucasian squirrel, this lush forest dotted with small lakes offers excellent hiking trails.
Vashlovani National Park
Another top pick for forest lovers is Vashlovani National Park near the Azerbaijan border. This park contains wetlands, floodplain forests, and even semi-desert landscapes ready to be explored.
Tusheti Protected Areas
For those looking for coniferous woods, check out the remote Tusheti Protected Areas with their scenic mountain landscapes perfect for trekking.
Upper Svaneti Region
And don’t miss the unique alpine forests of the Upper Svaneti region. Here you’ll find ancient watchtowers and isolated hillside hamlets amid gorgeous wooded scenery.
Flora and Fauna
Georgia’s forests are biodiversity hotspots. Endemic species like the Caucasian parsley frog, Bechstein’s bat, and Kolkheti boxwood can only be found here. Other inhabitants include lynx, brown bears, wolves, golden jackals, and a huge variety of birds.
Unique plants include the Kapudzhakhura grape and Caucasus rhododendron. Many wild herb and fruit species thrive in these forests too. Conservation efforts are protecting endangered species through breeding programs at places like the Tbilisi Zoo.
Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to October offer mild weather, ideal for hiking and camping. In contrast, the summer months of June to August can bring intense heat, particularly in lowland regions. From November through March, freezing temperatures and snow cover render mountain forests impassable.
Also, don’t miss Supra, the Georgian traditional feast, commonly held in autumn after the grape harvest. The honey festival celebrating the forest beekeeping practice takes place each August in Zemo Svaneti.
Accommodation Options
Most major towns near the forests offer hotels and guesthouses at reasonable prices. Rustic forest cabins run by the National Parks service are available for rent at Borjomi-Kharagauli. Camping is permitted in designated areas, just be ready for cold nights.
For a luxurious stay surrounded by nature, check out Hainan Resort & SPA inside Vashlovani National Park or Rooms Hotel Kazbegi with stunning mountain views. Besides, Lopota Lake Resort is great for families.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking is fantastic throughout Georgia’s forests. Notable trails include the Pine Cone Trail in Kolkheti National Park and the walk through Iature Valley into Svaneti’s mountains. Go birdwatching for rare species near Lake Paliastomi or set up camp in Tbilisi National Park.
Pack a picnic among the waterfalls of Okatse Canyon or take a mountain bike for adventures in the woodlands surrounding Bakuriani. Don’t forget your camera, the lush forests make for stunning photography.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Georgian folklore is filled with forest spirits like the mischievous elves known as Megruli. Forest landscapes feature prominently in Georgian poetry and art, viewed as sources of life and nature’s sublime beauty.
Many monasteries and churches have been built within or near forests, like the 11th century Katskhi Pillar in Chiatura and the cave monastery complex of Vardzia. TAB forest rangers often share stories of how Georgian ancestors used forest resources like mushrooms for food and medicine.
Local Cuisine and Dining
Georgian cuisine boasts many forest-sourced foods. Look for pkhali, a dish of walnuts, herbs, and vegetables, as well as lobio stew with beans from the forest gardens. Fried or grilled mushrooms known as gvelilebi are another specialty.
Near the forests, restaurants like Okrodagi in Kutaisi and Todo’s Treehouse in Kazbegi offer delicious fare alongside woodland views. Don’t leave without sampling homemade wines made with grapes from the local forests.
Safety Tips and Guidelines
Heed warning signs, stay on marked trails, and avoid remote areas to stay safe. Forests bear and wolf sightings do occur, so never approach wildlife. Seasonal river flooding can make some forest trails inaccessible. Always carry water, snacks, a pocket knife, flashlight and first aid kit in your backpack.
Cutting wood, lighting fires, hunting, and gathering plants are restricted in protected areas. Respect regulations from the Agency of Protected Areas to preserve Georgia’s natural heritage. Taking anything outside specially marked zones negatively impacts the forests.
Sustainable Travel
Follow Leave No Trace principles in Georgia’s forests. Stick to existing trails to avoid erosion, pack out all trash, and leave plants/wildlife undisturbed. Support eco-friendly tour companies like Walk the Earth who give back to conservation.
Consider offsetting carbon emissions from your flights and travel to mitigate environmental impact. Chat with locals to better understand sustainable forest management practices. Never feed or interact with wild animals no matter how friendly they seem.
Connecting with Locals
The best way to learn about Georgian forests is by connecting with locals. Hire expert guides to share their experience reading the natural world around them. Stay in family-run guesthouses and ask about their forest traditions. Have a conversation with park rangers to gain insight into conservation efforts. The knowledge locals have of these ancient forests is an invaluable way to deepen your experience.
Last Words
A journey through Georgia’s lush forests promises discovery of incredible biological diversity alongside cultural treasures. As Georgian author Nodar Dumbadze said, “If you want to get acquainted with Georgia, you need to walk through its forests.” From remote protected areas to community-managed lands, Georgia’s forests offer endless inspiration and adventure for mindful travelers who want to forge personal connections while treading lightly. By following responsible practices, we can ensure these living sanctuaries thrive for generations to come. The forests of Georgia are waiting, go explore!
