- Lagodekhi Waterfall: The park’s most photographed spot — a loud, photogenic cascade tucked into cool forest. It’s an easy hike from the trailhead (good for a half-day round trip) and a great place to cool off after a longer trek.
- Black Rock viewpoint: Dramatic cliffs and a sweeping drop that give you proper high-mountain vibes without technical climbing. The view down the valley is unforgettable at golden hour — my personal favorite for slow, cheap sunsets and snacks out of a daypack.
- Ancient yew and beech forests: Pockets of old-growth forest with huge beech and rare yew trees feel primeval. The mossy, quiet trails through these groves are where you notice the park’s age and conservation value — perfect for birdwatching and slow photography.
- Alpine meadows and ridgelines: Above the tree
- Lagodekhi Waterfall: The park’s most photographed spot — a loud, photogenic cascade tucked into cool forest. It’s an easy hike from the trailhead (good for a half-day round trip) and a great place to cool off after a longer trek.
- Black Rock viewpoint: Dramatic cliffs and a sweeping drop that give you proper high-mountain vibes without technical climbing. The view down the valley is unforgettable at golden hour — my personal favorite for slow, cheap sunsets and snacks out of a daypack.
- Ancient yew and beech forests: Pockets of old-growth forest with huge beech and rare yew trees feel primeval. The mossy, quiet trails through these groves are where you notice the park’s age and conservation value — perfect for birdwatching and slow photography.
- Alpine meadows and ridgelines: Above the tree line the meadows explode with wildflowers in summer and offer wide open panoramas of the Greater Caucasus. Great for overnight bivies or day hikes if you want big views with minimal fuss.
- Crystal mountain streams and springs: Clear, fast streams cut the valleys and form little pools and natural drinking spots. They’re ideal for topping up water (boil/filter if you’re risky) and for a refreshing dip after a hot hike.
- Wildlife watching: You won’t see everything on a short visit, but keep an eye out for chamois, roe deer, foxes and a healthy variety of birds of prey and forest species. Dawn and dusk along quieter trails are the best bets.
- Connected trail network and ranger routes: The park has a neat range of trails from short, family-friendly walks to tougher day hikes up to alpine pastures. Trails are generally well-marked; local rangers can advise on closures, trail conditions and free/cheap maps — useful if you’re backpacking on a budget.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
v2.webp)





Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.