Surprisingly, the capital city of the Republic of Georgia has an exceptional forest hike to Turtle Lake from Solalaki. Yes I noticed that the city is spread out in different directions within valleys (hence the 4 cable car circuits) but it didn’t actually click that the tops of the cable car runs would host forest (and in some cases I was right).

The most obvious cable car runs from the city port at the foot of the old town up to a large church overlooking the city (to the north). Then there is another less obvious cable car running up the south valley wall to the foot of the Soviet era TV/Radio tower. At the top there was a huge amusement park park so that didn’t seem like an obvious place for a forest hiking trail. And in fact it isn’t.

The true trail begins halfway up the valley wall (via a winding road to a small parking lot and trail sign). It is important to start at the un-obtrusive trail sign (even though the first 100m seem to go along home back yards). If you miss the trailhead (as I did) you will proceed all the way to the top and have to exit the amusement park at its southern end (or hop a fence to get on the trail that parallels the park).

Hike to Turtle Lake Costs

Total Cost Range of this Activity is: Free

Free, free and free (assuming you walk from the parking lot trail head rather than taking the cable car to the top of the ridge line). Once on the trail that winds its way up the valley wall you will be guided by painted trail markers and sign posts.

The climb us the slope is winding and easy, with benches placed at strategic spots for viewing.

When the trail reaches the amusement park it gets a bit ugly, following along the actual fences and at the foot of rides and executions. Once past the park the trail winds through a forest (a bit confusing) until it reaches high voltage power lines. Then it basically goes in a straight line below the power lines until it reaches a dirt road. Once again, follow the markers and sign posts.

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Hike to Turtle Lake Forest

Follow the road for about a km and then you enter a true forest trail that winds along another valley wall, cutting in and out and across streams. It is a lovely forest with lots of wildflowers, mushrooms and bird life. This is the longest part of the trail. Once you reach another forest road (cut right following the sign post) down to another creek then up to a ridge line with views and a bench for your first view of Turtle Lake.

The lake itself turned out to be a non-event. It is basically a lake in another amusement park with paddle boats for hire, strolling paths, benches and refreshment stands.

After a brief lunch break and some exploring (there is another cable car and a zip-line down to the valley floor) I reversed my direction and headed back to the city.