Lagodekhi National Park
Georgia's oldest nature reserve, founded in 1912, with forest trails to waterfalls and a three-day route to Black Rock Lake.
Lagodekhi National ParkPhoto: Paata vardanashvili, CC BY-SA 4.0Lagodekhi Protected Areas cover about 24,450 hectares on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, at the eastern tip of Kakheti where Georgia meets Azerbaijan and Dagestan. Founded in 1912, this was the first nature reserve in Georgia and the Caucasus. It climbs from about 590 m to 3,500 m, and around 70 percent is forest of oriental beech, hornbeam and maple, with alpine meadows and lakes above. Wildlife includes East Caucasian tur, chamois, red deer, brown bear and lynx, and about 150 bird species.
There are five marked trails. The most popular day hikes go to the 40 m Ninoskhevi Waterfall, starting from the Gurgeniani information centre, and to the Black Grouse Waterfall, about 9.5 km return from the administration centre; each takes 3 to 6 hours. The Machi Fortress trail, about 10.5 km, leads to a ruined medieval castle in the forest. The classic longer route is the 48 km, three-day trek to Black Rock Lake on the Russian border, usually done from June to October with a night in a ranger shelter.
History
The Polish naturalist Ludwik Mlokosiewicz campaigned for the area's protection from 1889, and the reserve was established in 1912 under the Russian Empire. It was the first protected area of its kind in the Caucasus. In 2003 it was divided into a strict nature reserve of about 19,750 hectares and a managed reserve of about 4,700 hectares, and visitor trails and shelters have been developed since then.
What to see and do
- Day hike to Ninoskhevi Waterfall
- Black Grouse Waterfall trail through beech forest
- Ruins of Machi Fortress
- Three-day trek to Black Rock Lake
- Children's nature path near the visitor centre
How to visit
Getting there
Lagodekhi town is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Tbilisi, and marshrutkas run from the capital. The reserve administration and visitor centre are about 4 km from the town centre, a short taxi ride.
When to go
Late May to early October; June–October for Black Rock Lake. Plan 1 day; 3 days for black rock lake here.
- Register at the visitor centre before hiking; the Machi Fortress and Black Rock Lake trails require a copy of your ID.
- Trails are muddy and slippery after rain; wear proper hiking boots.
- Start early to finish before the afternoon heat or storms.
- Book the ranger shelter in advance for the Black Rock Lake trek.
Lagodekhi National Park: FAQ
What is the best day hike in Lagodekhi National Park?
The trails to the 40 m Ninoskhevi Waterfall and the Black Grouse Waterfall are the most popular, each taking 3 to 6 hours. Experienced hikers can do the three-day route to Black Rock Lake from June to October.
Do I need a permit to hike in Lagodekhi?
You register at the visitor centre before hiking, and the longer trails, such as Machi Fortress and Black Rock Lake, require a copy of your ID. Registration is quick.
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