About the ecotrail
This moderately difficult trail winds through a pristine beech forest from the upper station of the “Polikarya Waterfall” cable car to the upper station of the “Eastern Forest” cable car.
The European beech is the primary tree species in the Sochi Black Sea region. It is a massive deciduous tree with a slender, columnar trunk and smooth gray bark. The beech can reach a height of 50 m, and its trunk diameter can reach 2 m. The oldest trees along the trail are about 500 years old—just imagine!
The range of the Eastern beech spans the Black Sea coast. It grows from nearly the shoreline up to the upper forest boundary in the mountains, and at an altitude of about 1,000 m above sea level, it forms pure stands—beech forests. Translated from Latin, the tree’s genus name means “nourishing, feeding.” The fruits—triangular nuts that form the staple diet of many local animals and birds—appear on the branches in the fall.
Highlights of the route:
- broadleaf forest
- panoramic views
- flowering plants
Enjoy your walk—breathe in the fresh mountain air. When planning a hike along the nature trail, consider your health and realistically assess your physical abilities.
What to take with you
Clothes
Sneakers or light trekking shoes, breathable T-shirt, fleece, hat for protection from the sun
Backpack or bag
1.5 liters of water, snack, sunscreen SPF 30+
On the phone
Krasnaya Polyana app and offline route map
Not necessary, but worth it
Trekking poles for the descent, binoculars, thermos with tea
Clothes
Sneakers or light trekking shoes, breathable T-shirt, fleece, hat for protection from the sun
Backpack or bag
1.5 liters of water, snack, sunscreen SPF 30+
On the phone
Krasnaya Polyana app and offline route map
Not necessary, but worth it
Trekking poles for the descent, binoculars, thermos with tea
