Hiking in Georgia
Including Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Lagodekhi Protected Areas, and Mestia to Ushguli Trek. On the map.
The vibe
The scale here is immense, with jagged, snow-dusted ridges that make you feel like a speck in a vast, ancient landscape. Mid-summer through early autumn is the golden window when the high passes clear and the alpine meadows turn lush. It is a rugged, DIY experience where you navigate by sight and local hospitality rather than manicured park infrastructure.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Samtskhe–Javakheti
G.N / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
One of the largest national parks in Europe, offering an extensive network of trails that traverse alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and ridgelines. It is a haven for hikers looking for solitude and expansive wilderness views.
Access. The main visitor center is in Borjomi; trails are well-marked with color-coded markers and offer various loop options.
Notes. Permits are required for camping and can be obtained at the visitor center; weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations.
Lagodekhi Protected Areas
Kakheti
Jon Gudorf Photography / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This reserve offers diverse hiking trails ranging from dense, humid forests to high-altitude alpine lakes like Black Rock Lake. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dramatic waterfall trails tucked into deep mountain valleys.
Access. Located in the Kakheti region near the border with Azerbaijan; the visitor center in Lagodekhi provides maps and mandatory registration for long-distance trails.
Notes. Registration at the visitor center is required for all trails; some routes are strenuous and require overnight camping.
Mestia to Ushguli Trek
Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti
G.N. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A classic multi-day trek through the heart of the Svaneti region, passing through ancient mountain villages, alpine meadows, and beneath towering snow-capped peaks. The route connects the town of Mestia to the UNESCO-listed village of Ushguli, known for its medieval defensive towers.
Access. Accessible via flight or road from Tbilisi/Kutaisi to Mestia; the trail is well-marked and can be done independently or with local guesthouse support.
Notes. Best hiked from June to September; some sections involve river crossings and steep ascents.
Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity
Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Jonathan Cardy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This iconic alpine route leads from Stepantsminda up to the Gergeti Trinity Church and further toward the base of the massive Kazbek glacier. It offers dramatic views of the Greater Caucasus range and is a premier destination for high-altitude trekking in Georgia.
Access. Accessible via a 3-hour drive from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda; the hike to the church is a steep day walk, while the glacier trek requires multi-day preparation.
Notes. High altitude and rapidly changing weather; glacier travel requires proper equipment and guides.
Okatse Canyon
Imereti
United States Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Famous for its high-altitude steel walkway that hangs over the deep canyon, offering dizzying views of the gorge floor and waterfalls below. It is a unique infrastructure-based walk that provides access to otherwise inaccessible canyon scenery.
Access. Located near Kutaisi; visitors usually take a shuttle from the visitor center to the trail entrance.
Notes. The walkway can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights; check for seasonal closures due to high winds or maintenance.