Black Rock Lake

Black Rock Lake, known in Georgian as შავი კლდეების ტბა (Shavi Kldeebis Toba), is a strikingly beautiful high-altitude alpine lake located within the Lagodekhi Protected Areas in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. Situated on the main watershed ridge of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, at an elevation typically cited around 2800-2900 meters, the lake holds a unique position straddling or lying immediately adjacent to the international border between Georgia and the Republic of Dagestan (Russian Federation). Formed by glacial processes, this relatively small lake is renowned for its pristine, cold, clear waters and the dramatic alpine scenery surrounding it, including the “black cliffs” from which it likely derives its name. Accessing the lake requires undertaking one of Georgia’s most famous and rewarding, yet physically demanding, multi-day treks, which traverses diverse ecosystems from dense forests to subalpine and alpine meadows, known for their rich biodiversity. Due to its high altitude and remote location, the lake is likely oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) and remains frozen for a significant portion of the year. Its border location adds to its unique character and necessitates permits for visitors undertaking the trek.

Identification and Location

• Name of the Lake: Black Rock Lake (შავი კლდეების ტბა). It is sometimes also referred to by other names such as Long Lake (გრძელი ტბა – Grdzeli Tba) or Khalakheli (ხალახელი). The name provided by the user, mentioning “Circular” (წრიული), is not standard or commonly used.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Kakheti
  • Municipality: Lagodekhi
  • Protected Area: Lagodekhi Protected Areas (specifically, often considered within Lagodekhi National Park or Managed Reserve boundaries).
  • Mountain Range: Main ridge of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
  • Nearest Major City or Landmark: Lagodekhi town is the main gateway city to the protected areas. The lake itself is remote, reached via a multi-day trek.
  • Coordinates (latitude and longitude): Approximately 41°54′ N latitude, 46°10′ E longitude. (Note: Precise coordinates can vary slightly by source).
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: An isolated alpine lake, likely the source of small mountain streams draining down the slopes.
  • Border Status: Located directly on or immediately adjacent to the international border between Georgia and the Republic of Dagestan (Russian Federation).

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Small, generally estimated around $0.1$ to $0.16$ square kilometers (approx. $10$–$16$ hectares or $25$–$40$ acres).
• Maximum Depth: Moderate for an alpine lake. Figures often cited range from $10$ to $15$ meters, though precise bathymetric data may not be widely available.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown, likely small.
• Elevation: High altitude, typically cited as approximately 2800-2900 meters ($9180$–$9515$ feet) above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Relatively short, corresponding to its area.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt, rainfall, and potentially underground springs.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Likely has a small outflow stream, especially during peak melt seasons.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin, likely a tarn formed in a cirque basin excavated by glaciers on the main Caucasus ridge.

Ecological Information

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by alpine meadows with characteristic high-mountain grasses and wildflowers. Rhododendron thickets are common in the subalpine zone below the lake. Aquatic vegetation within the cold, nutrient-poor lake is expected to be minimal. The trail to the lake passes through diverse forests (beech, hornbeam, maple, birch) at lower elevations.
• Fauna (Animal Life): The lake itself likely supports limited aquatic life, possibly cold-adapted invertebrates. The Lagodekhi Protected Areas surrounding the lake are renowned for rich biodiversity, including mammals like East Caucasian Tur (Capra cylindricornis), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), Roe Deer, Red Deer, Brown Bear, Lynx, and numerous bird species such as Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Grouse, Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, and Lammergeier.
• Trophic Level: Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Generally high clarity.
• Water Temperature (seasonal variations if applicable): Cold year-round. The lake is typically frozen from late autumn/winter until late spring/early summer.
• pH Levels: Unknown, likely near neutral to slightly acidic.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Expected to be high due to cold temperatures and low biological activity.
• Unique Ecological Features: High biodiversity of the surrounding Lagodekhi Protected Areas, including endemic Caucasian species. The lake itself is a pristine high-altitude aquatic environment.
• Conservation Status: Located within the highly protected Lagodekhi Protected Areas, one of Georgia’s oldest nature reserves (established 1912). Access requires registration and permits due to its location in the border zone.
• Invasive Species: Highly unlikely in the lake itself due to its isolation and conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: The area has historical significance as a border region and likely traditional use for seasonal grazing. No major specific historical events are commonly associated directly with the lake.
• Current Uses: Ecotourism is the primary use, centered around the popular multi-day Black Rock Lake trek. Activities include hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography. Swimming is generally discouraged due to cold temperatures. No fishing, boating, or resource extraction occurs.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from tourism include trail erosion, waste management issues around shelters and campsites, and disturbance to wildlife. The alpine ecosystem is sensitive to climate change impacts (changes in snow cover, temperature, vegetation). Border security is also a factor in access management.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Managed by Georgia’s Agency of Protected Areas. There is a marked trail system, designated campsites, and tourist shelters along the route. Access is regulated through a permit system for the border zone. Strict rules apply regarding behaviour within the protected area.
• Local Communities: The town of Lagodekhi benefits from tourism related to the protected areas, including guiding services, accommodation, and transportation.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Its location on or immediately adjacent to the international border between Georgia and Dagestan (Russia) is a significant feature.
• The Black Rock Lake trail is considered one of the most spectacular and biodiverse hiking routes in Georgia, offering stunning Caucasus mountain views.
• The lake and surrounding area provide habitat for the East Caucasian Tur, a wild goat endemic to the eastern Caucasus.
• Despite the common name “Black Rock Lake”, it is sometimes referred to by other local or historical names like “Long Lake” or “Khalakheli”.