Hiking to Black Rock Lake: A Guide to One of Georgia’s Toughest Trails

If you are an experienced hiker looking for a real challenge that rewards you with unforgettable landscapes along with physical endurance, the Black Rock Lake trail in the Lagodekhi Protected Areas is for you. This is not just a walk; it is a serious, three-day expedition.

This guide will help you better understand what to expect from this difficult, yet incredibly beautiful hike.

Trail Description by Day

Day 1: From the Visitor Center to the Tourist Shelter

The hike begins at the Lagodekhi Visitor Center, where you must register and obtain a permit to enter the border zone. The first day consists almost entirely of a continuous ascent through a dense, deciduous forest. The trail is well-marked. This section is quite tiring and requires good physical fitness. At the end of the day, you will reach the tourist shelter (the so-called “Meteo”), where you can spend the night.

Day 2: From the Shelter to Black Rock Lake

The second day is the most beautiful part of the route. You leave the forest zone and enter the alpine zone, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. The trail follows the ridge and, after a few hours, leads you to your destination – Black Rock Lake, located on the border between Georgia and Dagestan (Russian Federation). The lake is at an altitude of about 2800 meters above sea level. You will return to the tourist shelter on the same day.

Day 3: From the Shelter to the Visitor Center

The third day is entirely dedicated to the descent. You will return to the visitor center via the same path you took on the first day. The descent is also quite tiring and puts a strain on the knees, so using trekking poles is recommended.

Hike Details at a Glance

• Starting Point: Lagodekhi Protected Areas Visitor Center
• Difficulty: Hard
• Duration: 3 days (2 nights)
• Total Distance (Round Trip): Approximately 48 kilometers
• Highest Point: Approximately 3000 meters
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 2200 meters

Practical Tips

• When to go? The best period for the hike is from late June to mid-September.
• Equipment: Full trekking gear is necessary: a tent, sleeping bag, and enough food and water for 3 days. The tourist shelter can be used with prior booking.
• Registration and Permit: Registration at the visitor center and obtaining a border police permit based on your ID card are mandatory.
• Physical Fitness: This route is intended only for experienced hikers in good physical condition.

The Black Rock Lake trail is a serious challenge that promises unforgettable impressions and the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful and wild sides of Georgian nature.