If I was to mention Georgia and Hiking most people would probably think of the Appalachian Trail. However, nestled in the Caucasus mountains the countries of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are quietly building a long distance trail that I’m confident will one day be a bucket list item for any long distance hiker.
You can find out all about the trail, it’s current construction and future plans over at transcaucasiantrail.org. You can even signup for 2021 group treks which will hike completed sections and help fund future development. These group treks last from 10 to 14 days depending on the route.
When the full trail is completed:
The network will consist of two linked trail corridors, each roughly 1,500 km long. One corridor (known as the northern route) will follow the Greater Caucasus Mountains, connecting the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea; and the other (known as the southern route) will follow Lesser Caucasus Mountains from the Black Sea to the River Arax at the border with Iran.
For now there are several hundred kilometres of trail completed. Many going through the more established areas and national parks such as Svaneti, Racha, Mtianeti, Khevsureti, Tusheti, Lagodekhi National Park, Borjomi National Park, and Dilijan National Park.
Thru-Hiking in The Caucasus Mountains
What most excites me about the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) is the chance to go thru-hiking in the world famous caucasus mountain ranges. This area has been a favorite amongst hikers for decades but still remains relatively unknown and untouched.
Of course, Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe (yes, even higher than Mont Blanc) is located in Georgia in the caucasus mountains but beyond that there is a wealth of beautiful areas to be explored.
My hope is that the TCT can make these areas more accessible and connect the current ‘hotspots’ into a continuous trail so that the average (but well equipped hiker) could attempt a long distance thru-hike themselves independently.
The TCT offers to open up this region of the world to more hikers and enable more people to engage with the unique and interesting cultures that exist there.
From the natural flora and fauna to the cuisine and history of the regions the trail would pass through I feel the TCT could offer something unique and different that no other long distance trail could in the world currently.
So I’m very excited to follow the process of this trail and hope to one day get out there and either thru-hike or section hike it.
Help Built The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT)
There are many ways to help the trail.
By joining one of the three fundraising hikes this Summer. 100% of the profits will go back into funding the trail.
There are two 10 days treks in Georgia and one 14 day trek Armenia. You see the full itineraries here.
You can also volunteer to join one of the trail building camps here or make a donation here.