Ahlam Forest

Ahlam Forest is one of the valuable forest areas of Mahmudabad County in Mazandaran Province. It lies about 10 kilometres from the city centre, near the village of Ahlam. The forest is part of the ancient green belt of the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran, and its dense cover of native trees such as hornbeam, alder, maple, elm and walnut creates a lush, natural landscape. Its location next to the region's old villages gives the area both natural and cultural appeal for travellers, and it is known throughout the year as a popular nature-tourism destination.

Among the most important features of Ahlam Forest are its extensive vegetation, its biodiversity and the natural paths between the trees, which make it possible to walk and wander through the heart of the forest. A forest road runs through the area, making it easier to reach its different parts and providing spots for stopping, picnicking and photography amid nature. On the edge of the forest lies the Ahlam Ab-bandan (a traditional man-made reservoir pond), where the combination of water and forest scenery has made it one of the area's scenic and calming spots, offering a pleasant setting for relaxing and light nature tourism.

To reach Ahlam Forest, take the Mahmudabad–Nur road and, after about 2 kilometres from the Mahmudabad exit, turn towards the Ahlam area. Thanks to its good access and closeness to residential areas, the forest can be visited in every season, but the best time to go is spring and early autumn, when nature is at its most temperate and beautiful. Given the importance of protecting Hyrcanian ecosystems, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as not damaging the trees, not leaving rubbish behind and keeping the natural environment peaceful.