Mtirala National Park

მტირალას ეროვნული პარკი

A lush rainforest reserve in the Adjara mountains, one of the wettest places in Georgia with dense greenery and waterfalls. It offers hiking trails, a zipline and a swimmable lake amid emerald forest.

Things to do

• Hike the Mtirala Nature Trail — Follow the main 15 km loop through dense subtropical rainforest to a waterfall and back, taking around six to seven hours at a moderate pace.
• Swim in the emerald lake — Cool off in the small forest lake near the visitor zone, fed by mountain streams and surrounded by lush greenery.
• Ride the zipline over the gorge — Glide across the river valley on the park's zipline for a fast aerial view of the canopy and waterfall below.
• Visit the Tsablnari waterfall — Reach the cascade along the trail where you can stand on suspension bridges spanning the river.
• Cross the suspension bridges — Traverse several swaying rope-and-plank bridges over the fast mountain river along the walking route.
• Start at the Visitor Center in Chakvistavi — Register your route, hire a guide, and learn about the rainforest ecosystem before setting off.
• Camp overnight in the forest — Pitch a tent at the designated campsite near the lake to experience the rainforest sounds after dark.
• Birdwatch and spot wildlife — Watch for Caucasian salamanders, roe deer, and forest birds thriving in one of Georgia's wettest habitats.

Food to try

• Adjaruli khachapuri — The boat-shaped, butter-and-egg-topped cheese bread of Adjara is best eaten hot in nearby Batumi or village guesthouses.
• Borano — A rich Adjaran dish of local cheese melted in clarified butter, traditionally scooped up with bread.
• Sinori — An Adjaran comfort dish of thin dough layered with nadughi cheese and drenched in melted butter.
• Achma — A layered, lasagna-like cheese-and-butter pastry served warm as a hearty mountain meal.
• Wild forest honey and tea — Sample local honey and green tea grown in the humid Chakvi lowlands just below the park.
• Homemade tkemali sauce — Try the tangy sour-plum sauce that accompanies grilled meats at village tables around Adjara.

Local customs & good to know

• Come prepared for rain — Mtirala means 'the crying one' because it is among the wettest places in Georgia, so bring waterproof gear even in summer.
• Hire a local guide — Guides at the visitor center know the slippery trail conditions and river crossings and support the park's community income.
• Respect the protected reserve — Stay on marked trails, carry out your litter, and avoid disturbing the rare salamanders and plants in this national park.
• Learn a few Georgian toasts — If invited to a village supra feast, expect the tamada (toastmaster) to lead heartfelt toasts and hospitality is taken seriously.

Nearby

• Batumi Botanical Garden — 16 km
• Makhuntseti Waterfall and Bridge — 17 km
• Kobuleti — 18 km
• Batumi — 22 km