Mount Mtirala: Misty Forests, Park Trails and Waterfall

Mount Mtirala, which reaches a height of 1,381 m above sea level, is the place where the most precipitation falls in Georgia. This is why its name is connected – "mtirala" means "crying". The mountain and its surroundings remain a true refuge for many species of Colchian endemic and relict plants and animals on the verge of extinction. It was with the aim of preserving rare biovids that the Mtirala National Park was established in 2006 on this territory.

The Mtirala National Park has another function – the park will help maintain the balance of natural ecosystems, which will help to stop erosion and landslide phenomena and avoid floods.

The nature protection area is divided into three zones: the zone of strict protection is covered with untouched forests of Colchis trees, any human intervention is prohibited here (except for scientific observations). In the visitors' area, tourists can walk along the path, light fires in designated areas, pitch tents and have picnics, and walk in the wild; in the third zone, the traditional use area, 12 families live.

There is a waterfall on the territory of the Mtirala National Park, which is 12 meters high. One kilometer from the waterfall, a river flows between the rocks, which after a short distance turns into a lake with clear water. Trout are found in large numbers in the lake.

Location:
Kobulet municipality, Adjara-Imereti ridge, the watershed line of the Chakvistskali and Korolistskali rivers.
Coordinates:
No. 41⸰50'24"; E 42⸰39'43".
How to get:
The route through the Mtirala National Park begins in the village of Chakvi; an asphalt road leads to the village of Hala in the Kobuleti municipality, then a rocky road stretches to the village of Chakvistavi. The distance from Chakvi to the National Park Administration is 15 km. The distance from Tbilisi is 355 km, from Kobuleti – 25 km, from Batumi – 22 km.

How to get to the beginning of hiking routes to Mt. Mtirala?

There are several entrances to the national park of Mtiral. There are two closest to Batumi:

• Entrance 1. From the side of Chakvi\Hala (official)
• Entrance 2. From the Ortobatumi side.

1. A minibus runs from the bus station from 9:40 to Mtiral (Entrance 1), on Mon and Fri it reaches the beginning of the trail, on other days to the Hall (but you can arrange with the driver). Travel 5 lari to Mtiral (Entrance 1). The last minibus back is at 16:30-17:00.
2. From Tsereteli Street (next to Tbilisi Square) there is a city bus without a number, as well as a minibus 141 (once every 2 hours, the first one is about 9 hours from Hop market, and back about 18 hours. The minibus 36/10 in Korolistavi is also suitable.

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