Khosta and the Yew-Boxwood Grove

On the Khosta side, the Yew-Boxwood Grove stands out as a natural attraction with a distinctive contrast: the site differs markedly from the mountainous areas of the Caucasian Nature Reserve. At the same time, you can plan your visit around several named trails of different lengths—from the Small Loop, described as the easiest trail, to longer or differently routed paths. The grove therefore shapes not only what you would like to experience in Khosta, but also how active you want your vacation day to be.

A subtropical relict forest

The Yew-Boxwood Grove covers 300 hectares and has been part of the Caucasian Nature Reserve as a subtropical area since 1931. Unlike the reserve’s mountainous areas, it forms a markedly different natural environment. The site is a relict forest; its ecosystem has been preserved since the pre-glacial period. Its subtropical classification and long natural history offer two perspectives on the same place: one describes its character within the reserve, while the other highlights the ecosystem’s long preservation. This combination is especially interesting for travelers who want to appreciate nature not only as a backdrop, but also through its history.

Choose trails by distance and destination

Three hiking trails offer different options for planning your day. The Big Loop is 5 km long. Two distances are given for the Small Loop: 1.6 km and about 1.5 km. It is considered the easiest trail and is suitable for a short, easy walk. When planning, the route’s short, easy character is therefore just as relevant as the slight discrepancy between the distance figures.

The “Into the Depths of Time” trail branches off from the Big Loop and leads to the “Devil’s Gate” Canyon; it is 800 m long. Alongside the two loops, this gives you a route with a specific named destination. Compare the options according to the focus of your planned outing: a short, easy loop, a longer route, or a trail to the canyon. This gives you both different distances and a specific destination to guide your choice.

Entrance and getting there

The site’s main entrance on the Khosta side is on Samshitovaya Street. There you will find a ticket office and an information center with an exhibition. Check current operating information before your visit.

A bus route connects Khosta railway station with the village of Kalinovoye Ozero and the village of Vorontsovka. As route information can change, check the current route and timetable before traveling. These connections are a separate part of planning your visit; you can choose the trails in the grove independently, based on distance and destination.

Khosta as a starting point for choosing your vacation

If the grove is one reason for your trip, you can choose Khosta as a destination when looking for a holiday rental. First consider whether you would rather combine your stay with a short walk or longer hikes. This lets you plan your outing around your vacation rhythm without trying to fit all three trails into the same day.

Discover more destinations: Divnomorskoye, Dzhubga, Belorechensk, Psebay, Mostovskoy, Katkova Shchel', Saratovskaya, Makopse

Back to the main travel overview: Krasnodar Krai.