Tbilisi National Park

Tbilisi National Park: Nature Right Next to the City

Tbilisi National Park is a big area of protected nature right next to Tbilisi, Georgia’s lively capital city. Originally created in 1973 as Georgia’s first national park, it was reopened in 2007. It is a great place to get away from the noise of the city and into the woods and hills. It’s a one-of-a-kind place where people can enjoy nature and have fun at the same time.

Picture hills covered in green forests, quiet valleys with small streams, and fresh air—all of which are easy to get to from Tbilisi. The park covers the slopes of the Saguramo-Ialno ranges, which are home to many plants and animals and have beautiful views. The main goal of this area is to protect these natural landscapes and the plants and animals that live there. It also gives people a place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking in a natural setting.

The park is easy to get to because it’s so close to Tbilisi. You can get to its edges or main entrances, like those near Saguramo village or Mamkoda, by car or taxi in a short amount of time. This is why a lot of people go there on weekends and for day trips. There are trails that wind through the woods inside the park. Some of these trails are easy enough for families to walk on, while others are more difficult and better for serious hikers and mountain bikers. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, making it a beautiful time of year. The colors in the deciduous forests in the fall are also amazing.

There are mostly oak, hornbeam, and beech trees in the park’s forests, but there are also some pine trees. There are animals like Roe Deer, Wild Boar, foxes, jackals, and hares living in these woods. Even though bears and wolves aren’t common this close to the city, the park is still an important place for animals to live. It’s also a great place to watch birds, especially when they are migrating.

Tbilisi National Park is more than just a place to see nature; it’s also close to important cultural sites. The ancient capital city of Mtskheta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is close by, and the park is home to several old monasteries, such as Zedazeni and Martkopi.

If you’re in Tbilisi and want to get some fresh air quickly, Tbilisi National Park is the place to go. It shows how nature and city life can coexist, giving people clean air, beautiful views, and places to have fun while also protecting important forest ecosystems.

Basic ID

Official Name:

Tbilisi National Park (თბილისის ეროვნული პარკი).

Type of Protected Area:

National Park (IUCN Category II). Protects natural ecosystems while letting people have fun and learn in ways that are good for conservation.

Date of Establishment:

Founded in 1973 as Georgia’s first NP, lost its status, and then was re-established in 2007.

Managing Body:

The Agency of Protected Areas (APA) of Georgia is in charge.

Where it is and how to get there

Location:

Georgia. It is right to the northeast of the capital city, Tbilisi. It covers parts of the Saguramo-Ialno ranges in the Mtskheta and Gardabani municipalities.

Map/Coordinates:

The approximate center coordinates are 41°48′ N, 44°56′ E. You can find maps on the APA website and maybe at important entrance points.

Closest Cities and Towns:

Tbilisi is on the border. The historic town of Mtskheta is to the west of here. Saguramo and Mamkoda are two important access villages.

How to Get There:

Very easy to get to from Tbilisi: By car or taxi, it’s a short drive (20 to 40 minutes, depending on where you’re going) from the center of Tbilisi. Most of the roads that lead to Saguramo (via the Mtskheta turn-off) or Mamkoda/Tianeti. There are both paved and unpaved roads in the park. Public Transport: Some marshrutkas (minibuses) from Tbilisi (like Didube station) to Tianeti or Saguramo go near park entrances, but you might have to walk more to get to the trailheads. The closest airport is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), which is very close to the park’s southeastern edge.

Size and how it looks

Size:

About 23,218 hectares (232.18 km²).

Topography:

The land is hilly and has low mountains, which are the foothills of the Greater Caucasus (Saguramo-Ialno Ranges). With slopes, ridges, and valleys covered in trees. The height ranges from about 600 meters to 1,700 meters.

Geology and Important Parts:

Made mostly of sedimentary rocks that are common in fore-mountain ranges. Forested areas and wide-open views are two of the most important parts.

Hydrology:

This area has the upper parts of several small rivers and streams, like Gldaniskhevi, Lochini, and Norio khevi, that flow into the Mtkvari, Aragvi, or Iori river basins. The park’s edge is close to the Mamkoda Reservoir.

Climate:

The climate is moderate continental, like Tbilisi’s, but it is usually a little cooler and gets more rain because of the forests and higher elevation. Four different times of the year. It can snow in the winter, especially at higher altitudes. The summers can be hot, but the trees give shade.

What it means and why it matters

Reason for Designation:

To protect the natural forest ecosystems and biodiversity near Georgia’s capital; to give the large urban population places to play; to teach people about the environment; and to protect watersheds that are important for Tbilisi.

Important Values:

For fun: Offers Tbilisi residents and visitors easy access to nature-based activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Ecological: Protects typical forest ecosystems in the area and gives animals a place to live. Helps Tbilisi’s air quality get better. Educational: Provides chances for scientific study and environmental education near the city.

International Recognition:

It’s likely part of the Emerald Network of protected sites in Europe.

Flora and fauna diversity

Habitats and ecosystems:

mostly deciduous forests with oak, hornbeam, and beech trees. Some places have Pine forests, some of which were planted. It also has the edges of forests, shrublands, and small clearings in meadows.

Important Plant Types:

Some common trees are the Georgian Oak, the Oriental Hornbeam, the Oriental Beech, and the Field Maple. Hawthorn, dogwood, and spindle tree are all part of the understory. In the spring and early summer, a variety of wildflowers bloom. There are some groups of Scots Pine.

Important Animal Types:

Some common mammals are the Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Red Fox, Golden Jackal, Badger, Stone Marten, and European Hare. There have been attempts to bring back Red Deer. Lynx and wolves may not happen very often. Birds: There are a lot of birds, including common forest birds like the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay, and different types of tits and warblers. You can see birds of prey like the Common Buzzard, the Hobby, and the Sparrowhawk. There is a good chance of seeing birds that are migrating through.

Endangered or Rare Species:

Georgia’s Red Book lists the red deer as an endangered or rare species. Lynx is safe too. Some types of plants may be rare or only found in the Caucasus region.

Information for Visitors

Visitor Center(s):

There is a visitor center close to Saguramo. For the most up-to-date information on facilities, services (maps, guides), and hours of operation, it’s best to visit the APA website. Information can also be obtained from the main APA office in Tbilisi.

Hours of Operation and Seasons:

The park is open all year round, for the most part. In the spring (April to June for wildflowers) and in the fall (September to November for colors), hiking and being in nature are at their best. It can be hot in the summer (July and August) for hard work. In the winter (December to March), there may be snow and muddy conditions, especially on higher trails.

Fees and permits to get in:

As of the most recent information (but always check the APA website), entry to the park for general hiking is often free. However, there are usually fees for using certain picnic areas, especially those with fire pits and shelters. There may also be fees for certain services, like guided tours if they are available. You might have to make a reservation for picnic spots.

Trails and Routes:

There are marked trails that are good for hiking and mountain biking. Saguramo and Mamkoda are two popular places to start. There are trails that are easy and short (1–2 hours) and those that are longer and harder (half a day or a full day). There are also marked mountain biking trails. Trails let you walk through the woods, climb ridges, and see things from above.

Activities:

Hiking, mountain biking, picnicking (in certain areas), trail running, nature photography, birdwatching, and learning about the environment are all things you can do there.

Accommodation:

There are no tourist huts or shelters in the park where you can stay overnight. You might be able to camp in certain areas (check the rules). There are many places to stay in Tbilisi. There are guesthouses in nearby villages like Saguramo.

Facilities:

There are designated picnic areas, some of which require a reservation or a fee and may have tables, shelters, fire pits, and toilets. Trails for hiking and biking that are marked. There are information boards at some important places. Some trails have water sources like springs and streams, but it’s best to treat the water before drinking it. There aren’t many public restrooms, and they’re mostly near the main picnic and entrance areas.

Advice on safety:

Put on the right shoes and clothes for the weather and the ground. Bring enough water, especially in the summer. Bring food or snacks. Tell someone about the route you plan to take and when you expect to be back. Bring a cell phone, but know that there may not be good signal in valleys or other remote areas. Call 112 in case of an emergency. Be aware that you might come across wildlife, like wild boar. There may be stray dogs near villages or entrances from time to time. In the summer, be on the lookout for snakes. If you don’t know the area well, stay on marked trails. The weather can change, so be ready for rain or cooler weather.

Rules and Laws

Code of Conduct:

Follow the Leave No Trace rules and take all of your trash home. Stay on marked paths to keep the area from eroding and being disturbed. Be quiet and don’t bother wildlife.

Prohibitions:

No hunting is allowed. At managed picnic sites, you can only make fires in designated fire pits (which usually require a reservation and a fee). You can’t make fires anywhere else, especially during dry seasons. Don’t hurt plants or take them. Don’t give food to wild animals. You can’t throw trash on the ground. Find out what the rules are right now about pets and drones (you probably need permission).

Zoning:

The park probably has areas set aside for different types of use, like recreation areas near picnic areas and conservation areas in other parts of the park. However, these may not be clearly marked for visitors on all trails.

Management and Protection

Managing Body:

The Tbilisi National Park Administration, which is part of the Agency of Protected Areas (APA), is in charge of the park. Rangers are in charge of keeping an eye on, patrolling, and helping visitors.

Conservation Efforts:

Protect the forest ecosystems from fires and illegal logging. Keeping up recreational facilities like trails and picnic areas. Keeping an eye on biodiversity. Controlling the flow of visitors to reduce negative effects. Keeping trash and pollution under control. Possible projects to restore habitats or species.

Problems and threats:

Because it’s close to Tbilisi, there is a lot of recreational pressure, which could lead to trash, noise, fire risk, and trail damage. Risk of illegal activities like logging and poaching. Urban encroachment and building close to park borders. Species that are not native. Taking care of trash properly.

Culture and History

Brief History:

Georgia’s first national park, created in 1973 from existing forest management units like the Saguramo Reserve. It lost its status for a while, but it was restored and grew in 2007. People have used the area for forestry and recreation for a long time.

Cultural Importance:

The park is next to places that are very important in history. The ancient city of Mtskheta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is close by. There are a number of important monasteries and churches in or very near the park’s boundaries, including the Zedazeni, Martkopi, Mamkoda, and Norio monasteries. The Ilia Chavchavadze Saguramo State Museum, which honors a famous Georgian writer and public figure, is close to the Saguramo entrance.

Interesting Facts and Unique Features

• It is the first National Park in Georgia.
• It is in a unique location right next to Tbilisi, the capital of the country.
• Gives more than a million people important “green lungs” and places to relax.
• Combines natural landscapes with being close to important historical and cultural sites.