Mazandaran province—famous for its lush, ancient woodlands—hosts an enormous variety of forests that give city dwellers a quick, scenic escape. From river-cut gorges and fog-shrouded highlands to coastal beech stands and protected Hyrcanian forest
Mazandaran Province is renowned for its varied, pristine forests in northern Iran. These woods are breathtaking and, even for a moment, pull us away from noisy, polluted city life. Mazandaran’s forests host a wide diversity of native plants and animals, and stepping into them takes you into untouched, dreamlike nature. If you’re tempted to visit one of Mazandaran’s forests on your next trip, join Alibaba as we discover the most important and beautiful forests of the province.
Forests in Mazandaran have a humid temperate climate and draw moisture from the Caspian Sea. The Alborz mountain range also blocks that moisture from moving into the interior, helping these forests stay humid year-round. Mazandaran’s forests are not limited to trees and green meadows—around them you’ll also find lakes, villages, remote summer pastures and high mountains. The best time to visit Mazandaran’s forests is from early Ordibehesht (mid-April) to late Azar (December). Here are the province’s most beautiful forests.
Tang-dar in Noshahr is nicknamed Iran’s Amazon. In this pristine gorge the only sounds are water and birds. A raging river runs through the forest; to reach the head of the gorge you must walk about 400 meters in the water. The current starts gentle but grows stronger, reaching knee level; some parts are deep, so if you cannot swim use a life jacket and rope to cross deeper sections.
This forest, near the village of Koshk-sara, is ideal for nature exploration and river trekking. Fallen tree trunks often block the path and you may have to go over or under them. Deeper into the gorge the feeling is very much like being in the Amazon.
Address: Mazandaran, Noshahr, Koshk-sara village — route: mine path → river toward the forest.
Lajim Forest in Savadkuh enjoys humid weather and diverse, lush vegetation. Because Lajim survived major ancient glaciations, many old growth trees remain. Lajim sits near the village of the same name in Savadkuh, about 30 km northeast of Pol-Sefid. Nearby attractions include the Lajim tower. Lajim connects north to more forest, east to the Acho woods, south to the villages Otu and Pir-Naeem and west to Sookhte-Sara.
Being on a hill, Lajim’s surroundings sometimes host foxes in the afternoons. The forest’s calm is a unique escape from city noise.
Address: Mazandaran, Sari, Lajim village, Lajim forest.
Dalkhani, near Ramsar, is called the corridor to paradise. It’s about 30 km from Ramsar and offers beautiful summer pastures. Located ~800 m above sea level, Dalkhani is one of Mazandaran’s most pristine forests; best visited early morning and return at day’s end.
Mist often envelopes Dalkhani, creating surreal scenes. Staff keep the forest clean; an entry fee at the trailhead supports them. Even in hot, humid northern summers, Dalkhani stays cool—bring warm clothes, a blanket and hot drink if you visit in cold seasons.
Address: Mazandaran, Ramsar — 7 km past the paved exit on Ramsar–Tonekabon road, Haris road toward Dalkhani.
Tonekabon hosts several top Mazandaran forests; Do Hezar is a must-see. Due to high humidity, the ideal months are Shahrivar–Azar (roughly Aug–Nov) when temperatures cool. Do Hezar is pristine: the only sounds are birds and nearby streams.
Do Hezar links to Mount Siyalan; many mountaineers start here when ascending Siyalan. Climbing Siyalan takes about five hours through dense forest—use a guide/team if you plan to summit (altitude and oxygen issues make solo ascents risky).
The forest’s river is a popular summer rest spot. Many visitors also come for the famous two-thousand road: a twisty forest road rising into misty heights where you may see only a few meters in thick fog.
Address: Mazandaran, Tonekabon, Khorramabad, Do Hezar forest.
Closely associated with Do Hezar, Se Hezar in Tonekabon is another of Mazandaran’s most beautiful forests. It combines towering trees, rivers, birdsong and dreamy nature. Nearby attractions include the Shalf mineral spring—rich in phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and reputed for treating skin and joint issues—Chaldareh Forest Park, Daniel Cave, Farhad-juyi waterfall and Falakdeh hot springs.
Address: Mazandaran, Tonekabon, Khorramabad — Three Thousand road, Se Hezar forest.
Oumal is in central Neka (Pirejeh village). Its “thousand-colored” scenery dazzles visitors. The forest’s only sounds are birds and wind in the branches.
Unfortunately in recent years Oumal has suffered heavy damage from live soil extraction and tree cutting; pits and holes now scar the ground and slow tree regeneration. Despite that, visiting Oumal—especially in autumn—is rewarding.
Address: Mazandaran, Neka County, Pirejeh village.
Tileh-Kalar (Tilah-Kenar) near Salman Shahr is one of the province’s beautiful woodlands. In spring thick mist flows between the trees and blends with drizzling rain. Small streams in the forest add to its charm. The river access path is rough and not car-friendly. Nearby is Dariuk Lake—worth visiting for foggy, scenic views.
Address: Mazandaran, Salman Shahr — Tileh-Kalar forest.
Arfa Deh forest in Savadkuh offers vivid nature that feels heavenly. Thick mist is common. The forest hosts wild fruits like hawthorn, wild dates (persimmon), wild tomatoes, barberry and wild pears. Trees such as beech, maple, alnus (Toska), lazeh and tel grow here. Spring–autumn are ideal; winter visits are not recommended due to heavy snow and dense mist. Nearby: Espehbad Khorshid cave and Kamar Posht village.
Address: Mazandaran, Savadkuh, Pol-Sefid area — Arfa Deh forest.
Foggy Alimestan lies ~52 km from Amol, celebrated for pristine nature, green meadows and beautiful trees with Mount Damavand as backdrop. The name comes from the herb “Alima” that sprouts in Ordibehesht (May). Visitors enjoy picnics, the “Rostam’s footprint” rock, climbing Alimestan peak, visiting Imamzadeh Qasem, cycling and exploring the village. First-time visitors should hire local guides because dense fog can cause disorientation. Leave nothing but footprints.
Address: Mazandaran — 52 km from Amol, Alimestan village.
On the Firuzkuh road, near Sangdeh village, lie some of the finest beech (rāsh) forests in northern Iran. The tall beech trees create grand vistas. The Savadkuh beech stands are an important low-altitude source of beech in northern Iran, including rare beech varieties. A river passes through; deeper inside you’ll hear birds, streams and waterfalls such as Ovan waterfall. Best visiting time: late Ordibehesht–early Dey (May–Dec). Winter access can be difficult.
Address: Mazandaran, Savadkuh County — Firuzkuh road, Sangdeh village — Beech forest.
Anjili forest in Savadkuh is named for its tall, sturdy anjili trees found only along the southern Caspian strip; trees can reach 25 m. Autumn brings a spectacular color palette. A major attraction is Velila waterfall, about 2 km deep within the forest on a somewhat steep trail—visit with a local guide. The waterfall isn’t very high but the surroundings are beautiful.
Address: Mazandaran, Savadkuh County — Firuzkuh road toward Qaemshahr, Otu village.
Arust forest lies in the village of Arust in Chahardangeh, Sari. It hosts diverse species—beech, maple, alnus and hornbeam. Arust is overshadowed by the nearby famous Badab-Soort springs, so it receives fewer tourists, but its own beauty is worth a visit.
Address: Mazandaran, Sari — Sari → Kiasar road, after the Talmadreh junction → Arust village.
The vast Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran are what most people mean when they say “the north.” These ancient woodlands cover the southern Caspian strip between Iran and Azerbaijan and are among Iran’s most extensive forest tracts. Some say they date back to the age of dinosaurs. The Hyrcanian zone stretches from Astara to Gorgan, hosting 300 bird species and 100 mammal species, plus 150 native plant species. Common trees include beech, oak, alnus, elm, yew and hornbeam. Notably, dense beech stands occur at 38°N latitude—unusual because beech typically does not grow much beyond ~40°. The Hyrcanian forests are UNESCO-listed.
Address: across the southern Caspian coastal region.
Palang-Dareh in Shirgah (Savadkuh) is where forest, river and waterfall meet. Shirgah is about a 3-hour drive from Tehran and Palang-Dareh is ~240 km from Tehran. In summer you can enjoy river trekking and a refreshing dip under the waterfall—bring a change of clothes and sandals.
Address: Mazandaran — Qaemshahr area on the Qaemshahr → Firuzkuh route, Shirgah.
Qadikola village (Qaemshahr) is known for its forest and marsh. The 2 km² village is the largest in Qaemshahr. Qadikola’s southern forest hosts wild trees, abundant raspberries and cold springs; the Siah-Rud river flows through the forest. The Qadikola marsh features tall trees protruding from the water and water lilies across the surface. You can stay in rental homes or camp nearby in warm seasons.
Address: Mazandaran, Qaemshahr — Qadikola village.
Lafur in southeast Babol is full of tall trees, waterfalls, springs and rivers; campers often come here. Lafur is part of the Hyrcanian forests and, geologically, dates to the Jurassic. It contains ~80 plant species. A 3-hour hike takes you to the “Seven Waterfalls” where you can rest and swim. Public facilities like toilets are scarce; getting lost is possible—mark your route or use GPS.
Address: Mazandaran, northern Savadkuh — Lafur village.
Babolkenar Forest Park covers about 760 hectares near the village of Doronkolaye Sharghi in Babol. The small village of Bozcheft and a spring lie inside. The park is a major provincial recreation spot in spring and summer. Facilities include paved roads, gazebos, children’s play areas, natural springs, a supermarket and toilets.
Address: Mazandaran, Babol — Babolkenar forest park.
Royan (near Nur) features a protected forest park and pastures. From Noshahr and Si-Sangan Park the road goes toward Royan and Ab-Pari waterfall. Royan is close to the city and offers toilets, gazebos and play equipment. Ab-Pari waterfall is ~5 km from the park.
Address: Mazandaran, Royan (Nur) — end of Shohada street → forest route to Baladeh.
Chaldareh Park is near the Do Hezar and Se Hezar forests in Tonekabon. Located ~18 km from Tonekabon on a paved road, Chaldareh covers 94 hectares and sits between the Do Hezar and Se Hezar rivers. Surroundings include ancient fortress remains, water reservoirs and historic structures; it’s also near Ramser hot springs, Daryasar plain and the Khushkhedaran wildlife museum.
You can stay at Chaldareh Hotel or in park gazebos and tree cottages—many cottages include wood fireplaces, refrigerators, wardrobes and even air conditioning. The park offers biking trails, walking routes, riverfronts, cafés and restaurants.
Address: Mazandaran, Tonekabon — 18 km on the Tonekabon → Do Hezar → Khorramabad → Do Hezar road → Chaldareh park.
Originally a forest, Jowaram was developed with facilities and is now a forest park covering >360 hectares, located ~6 km NW of Zirab and 11 km south of Shirgah. Roads and railways nearby make access easy. Facilities include gazebos, toilets, play equipment, drinking water and mobile signal towers. Common trees: maple, alnus, hornbeam, beech, walnut, oak, “shirdar” and fig. The nearby protected Khaybus area hosts leopards and bears.
Address: Mazandaran, Savadkuh — before Shirgah.
Namak-Abroud park covers 200 hectares with yew, alnus, melch (?) and maple among tree species—some are 700 years old. It’s one of Iran’s famous forest parks and popular year-round. Don’t miss the park’s cable car which lifts you into the dense forest and gives different sea views; best times: Ordibehesht (May) and late Esfand (March). Otherwise expect long queues.
Address: Mazandaran — 12 km from Chalous → Namak-Abroud.
Safarud park is 9 km up the Javaherdeh road near Ramsar, beside the river of the same name. With forest, river, a mineral spring and pleasant climate, it’s popular. Facilities: toilets, gazebos and potable water.
Address: Mazandaran, Ramsar — 9 km on Javaherdeh road.
Kashpel park is near Chamestan (2.5 km) and borders Laviq hot springs to the south and Chamestan forests to the east. Covering 21.7 hectares, tree types include alnus, oak, maple, hornbeam and anjili. Ideal for lovers of natural springs.
Address: Mazandaran, Chamestan — route to Laviq summer pastures.
At km 18 on the Amol–Tehran road lies the Mirza Kuchak Khan Forest Park (440 hectares). It’s popular with travelers and locals from Babol and Amol. The Haraz river runs east of the park. Attractions include dense forest, forest road, multiple waterfalls, cold springs, ancient trees and fruit. Facilities: gazebos, drinking water, toilets, barbeque platforms, benches, restaurant and spaces for camping.
Address: Mazandaran, Amol — Haraz road, km 18 on Amol–Tehran road.
Founded in 1965 (1344) to protect rare yew and other species, Si-Sangan sits between the Caspian and Alborz and covers a large protected area (the article cites 602 km²—likely meaning the broader protected region). It’s one of the largest yew reserves in Iran and the Middle East with both forest and coastal vegetation; oak also grows here. From the sea inland elevation rises to ~50 m. Si-Sangan offers good recreation and accommodations and a chance to study diverse plant species.
Address: Mazandaran — 30 km on the Noshahr → Nur road — Si-Sangan forest park.
Remember that Mazandaran’s forests are the habitat of countless plant and animal species inherited from past generations. When you go hiking and exploring, take care of all living creatures and respect their environment.
