Naharkhoran Forest Park

Naharkhoran is a forest area 4 kilometres south of the city of Gorgan. Studies show that Naharkhoran and its surrounding forest are about 40 million years old, part of the Hyrcanian forests, and date back to the Jurassic era. The climate is mild and semi-humid. The higher you climb, the cooler the air feels compared with Gorgan and even with the lower reaches of Naharkhoran. The forest begins with a steep slope, then after a short stretch the trail levels out and stays that way to the end.

The Naharkhoran forests are a remnant of the ancient Hyrcanian forests, and despite deforestation you can still see dense woodland there. The forest's plant species include oak, Persian ironwood (Parrotia), hornbeam, maple, linden, wild cherry, zelkova, and date-plum, along with shrubs such as blackberry, Gorgan butcher's broom, medlar and hawthorn, all of which are native to the region. There are also trees and plants that are not native but add a special beauty to the Naharkhoran forest, including pine, cypress, magnolia, boxwood, Persian maple (barg-e now), weeping willow, Virginia creeper and the Indian lilac (mina). Although people have pushed deep into the forest and destroyed its natural fabric and habitats, animal species still live in this area. They include wild boar, jackals, bats, mice, weasels, squirrels, eagles, falcons, turtle doves, woodpeckers, owls, wagtails, dunnocks, goldfinches, warblers, sparrows, crows, starlings and lizards.

The area has mountains and heights that average 450 metres above sea level and rise to 700 to 900 metres in some places. If you love mountaineering, a visit to the Naharkhoran forest gives you the chance to spend some time hiking and enjoy the atmosphere of the heights. To reach the higher parts of the forest, start the route from the west and southwest side of Naharkhoran Square. From there you will reach Sefid Cheshmeh and other high points. A stone staircase was built along this route long ago to make access easier. If you choose the forest trail for a climb, after walking 5 kilometres you will see the beautiful Alangdareh Park in front of you.