Makarud Forest Park and Meadow

Makarud Forest Park and Meadow lie in Mazandaran Province, within Kelardasht County, and are among the best-known natural areas in the region for tourism and nature travel. The site is a broad, flat plain set in the heart of the Hyrcanian forests. Its full cover of grass gives it a look quite different from the surrounding woodland. It lies close to Makarud village, which makes it very easy to reach, and this is a big part of its popularity with both visitors and locals. The area also sits on the boundary between the open grassland and the dense forest, and this combination gives it a distinctive character of its own.

For visitors, Makarud Meadow is an open public space used for recreation, family picnics and local gatherings throughout the year. The plain is large enough for many groups of visitors to settle in different parts of it, and its open view among tall trees creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. In some parts of the area, training and military activities are held periodically, which is part of the site's multipurpose use. Along the meadow, the trails into Makarud Forest begin; they pass through dense trees and offer a different kind of forest hiking experience in the Hyrcanian forests.

The area is reached by the road from Kelardasht to Makarud village. After passing through the village, a gravel road leads visitors to the meadow. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when nature is at its greenest, although autumn is also very scenic with the varied colors of the forest. When visiting, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature travel, including keeping the area clean, not damaging the vegetation and respecting the forest, so that this valuable ecosystem is preserved.