The grove combines a subtropical relict forest with three named hiking trails. This makes it possible to base your choice of destination on a specific landscape, its natural history and a clear choice of routes. If you are weighing up a short walk versus longer routes, the trails described here provide a useful starting point.

A subtropical relict forest in Khosta

Since 1931, the 300-hectare yew and boxwood grove has been part of the Caucasus Nature Reserve as a subtropical area. It differs markedly from the reserve’s mountain areas. Its ecosystem has survived since before the Ice Age; as a relict forest, the grove therefore points to a long natural history. The 300 hectares describe the size of the grove, while 1931 marks the beginning of its inclusion in the reserve. The contrast is between different landscape areas within the same reserve: the grove is subtropical, while the mountain areas have a different character. If you choose a nature destination based not only on trail length but also on landscape and natural history, you can take this difference into account when planning your trip.

Three hiking trails, different highlights

There are three hiking trails in the grove. The Great Ring is 5 km long. The Small Ring is listed as 1.6 km in one place and about 1.5 km elsewhere; it is considered the easiest trail and is suitable for a short, easy walk. The 800 m “Into the Depths of Time” trail branches off from the Great Ring and leads to the “Devil’s Gate” canyon.

In terms of distance, the options range from the 800-metre trail through the Small Ring to the 5 km Great Ring. The Small Ring is also described as the easiest trail; the path branches off from the Great Ring and leads to a named destination. This lets you compare the distance with the focus of each route: a short, easy walk, the canyon as a destination, or the greater distance of the Great Ring. The differing distances given for the Small Ring remain clear: 1.6 km and about 1.5 km.

Getting oriented at the entrance and on the way there

The main entrance to the yew and boxwood grove on the Khosta side is on Samshitovaya Street. There you will find a ticket office and an information centre with an exhibition. The street provides a specific landmark for your arrival, while the facilities offer practical and informational points of contact in the entrance area. The choice of route is separate and depends on the distances and destinations mentioned above. Check the latest operating information for the ticket office and information centre before your visit.

A bus route connects Khosta railway station with the village of Kalinovoye Ozero and the village of Vorontsovka, in that order. This names two other places, in addition to the railway station, served by the same connection. If you plan to use the bus route as part of your journey, check the current route before travelling, as operational route details can change. The order of the places will help you factor the connection into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Kabardinka, Moldavanskoye, Yaroslavskaya, Nikolaenko, Prigibskiy, Taman, Shapsugskaya, Plastunovskaya.

For the regional travel overview: Krasnodar Krai.