Mtirala National Park
Rain-soaked Colchic forest in the hills above Chakvi, about 25 km from Batumi, with a waterfall-and-lake trail, zip line and village guesthouses.
Mtirala National ParkPhoto: Philipp Weigell, CC BY 3.0Mtirala National Park protects about 15,700 hectares of Colchic rainforest in the hills behind Chakvi, roughly 25 km from Batumi. The name comes from the Georgian word for weeping: Mount Mtirala (1,381 m) and its slopes catch more than 4,000 mm of rain a year, which makes this one of the wettest places in the country. The result is a dense green forest of beech and chestnut with an understorey of rhododendron, and streams and waterfalls in every valley. Since 2021 the park has been part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands World Heritage Site.
Most visitors start at the visitor centre in Chakvistavi village. The easy Tsablnari loop, about 7 km, crosses the Chakvistskali gorge, passes a zip line and leads to a waterfall and a small lake where people swim in summer. The two-day Tsivtskaro loop, about 16 km, climbs to around 1,250 m and has a tourist shelter on the way; a ranger or guide is recommended. The visitor centre and guesthouses in Chakvistavi offer simple rooms.
What to see and do
- Tsablnari loop to a waterfall and swimming lake
- Zip line over the forest
- Two-day Tsivtskaro loop with an overnight shelter
- Colchic forest with beech, chestnut and rhododendron
- Wildlife including brown bear and roe deer, though rarely seen
How to visit
Getting there
From Batumi drive 10 km north to Chakvi, then about 15 km up a narrow paved road to the visitor centre in Chakvistavi, roughly 1 hour in total. Public transport to Chakvistavi is infrequent, so most people take a taxi from Chakvi or Batumi.
When to go
May–October. Plan half a day to 2 days here.
- Bring waterproofs and shoes with good grip; it rains often here.
- Check in at the visitor centre and ask about trail conditions.
- Carry insect repellent in summer.
- Book a ranger or guide for the two-day Tsivtskaro loop.
Mtirala National Park: FAQ
Why is it called Mtirala?
Mtirala means 'weeping' or 'crying' in Georgian, a reference to the rain. The park receives more than 4,000 mm of rain a year, among the highest totals in Georgia.
Can you visit Mtirala National Park as a day trip from Batumi?
Yes. The visitor centre is about an hour from Batumi by car, and the 7 km Tsablnari loop with its waterfall and lake fits easily into half a day.
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Mtirala National Park.
