Mtirala National Park

Mtirala is a Colchic subtropical forest preserving ancient vegetation: sweet chestnuts, oriental beech, cherry laurel, boxwood, and numerous species of lianas and ferns. The air is humid and thick – temperatures under the forest canopy run 5–7°C lower than on the coast. The trail begins at the visitor center, where a mechanical cable cabin (2 GEL) carries hikers across the Chakvistskali River. On the far side, the circular Tsablnari trail (7 km) begins.

About 1.5 km from the entrance, you'll reach the zipline (220 m, 15 GEL) over the treetops and the rope park (15–20 GEL). The trail then forks: right leads to the 15-meter Tsablnari Waterfall (another 1.5 km uphill), left goes to Mtirala Lake. The waterfall is framed by boxwood and ivy, with a small rock pool at its base. The lake is a peaceful forest pool where swimming is welcome. Both directions loop back to the river crossing.

The second trail – Tsivtskaro (16 km, 2 days) – is for experienced hikers. It climbs through beech groves to 1,250 m altitude, where a shelter accommodating 8 people is located. Tracks of brown bears, roe deer, and martens are common along this route. A ranger is recommended.

Rainfall – the wettest place in Georgia, up to 4,500 mm of annual precipitation, constant fog and dripping canopy

Ancient forest – Colchic subtropical ecosystem with sweet chestnuts, beech, boxwood, cherry laurel, and endemic fern species

Tsablnari Waterfall – 15 meters, surrounded by Colchic boxwood and ivy, reachable in 30–40 minutes on the trail

Zipline – 220 m over the subtropical forest canopy, 15 GEL (~$5.50)

Wildlife – brown bears, lynx, roe deer, Caucasian salamander, approximately 80 bird species

The area around Mount Mtirala has been inhabited since the early medieval period – ruins of fortresses and bridges survive in the surroundings. In the 13th century, the Skhalta Church was built nearby in the hall-type architectural style and still stands today. Traditional wooden houses in surrounding villages are 100–200 years old and represent examples of Adjarian folk architecture.

The national park was established in 2006–2007 on the initiative of Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection, with support from WWF and the Norwegian government. Its purpose is to preserve Colchic ecosystems and rare species of flora and fauna, many listed in Georgia's Red Book. Today, the park is part of Georgia's protected areas system and actively develops ecotourism.

From Batumi (25 km to the visitor center):

– Direct taxi: 80–100 GEL (~$30–37), 40–50 minutes. With 3-hour wait and return – 120–150 GEL

– Minibus to Chakvi (from near the Catholic Church, 54 Gogebashvili St): 1–1.5 GEL, then taxi from Chakvi to the visitor center: 20–30 GEL

– Bus #6 or route #40 to Chakvi: 1.5 GEL

– Direct minibus Batumi–Chakvistavi: Mondays and Fridays only, 3 GEL, departing 08:00 / 17:50 from Batumi bus station

– Organized tour – from 100–150 GEL with transport

On site:

From parking to visitor center – 5-minute walk. From visitor center to trailhead – cable cabin river crossing (2 GEL).

Season: May–October – trails are open and safe. Driest months are June and September. In winter, trails are closed due to wet and slippery conditions.

Time of day: Arrive by 9:00–10:00 to complete the trail before group tours arrive (usually after 12:00).

Duration: 3–4 hours for the Tsablnari loop (7 km) with swimming. Full day with zipline and lunch.

Avoid: Rainy days – the trail becomes slippery and muddy. July–August brings intense humidity and heat – carry plenty of water.