In the footsteps of leopards and to the Volga delta. 8 unforgettable eco-routes of Russia

1. "The Leopard Trail"

The ecotrail is located in the National Park "Land of the Leopard" in Primorsky Krai. It was created to preserve the rare Far Eastern leopard. 121 animals live in this territory. Amur tigers, common lynx and Far Eastern forest cat also live here. And in the national park there is an interesting and diverse flora that you will not see in other parts of Russia. For example, a densely flowered pine with a spreading rounded crown and Manchurian kirkazon grow here - a powerful woody liana.

Almost all the wealth of the Ussuri taiga is presented on the route "The Leopard's Path". Its length is about two kilometers. The eco-trail passes through a broad-leaved forest area and is equipped with information stands and viewing platforms. You can walk along the route all year round.

2. "Great Baikal Trail"

These are 11 hiking trails on the coast of Lake Baikal, which are equipped by the public organization "Great Baikal Trail". Since 2003, activists have already equipped 500 kilometers of eco-trails. If you are ready for a long walk, pay attention to the direction of Listvyanka - Bolshie Koty. This is one of the most popular routes. The road, 24.7 kilometers long, mainly passes along the coast of Lake Baikal, as well as through the forest and rocks. Along the way, you can admire magnificent panoramic views of the lake and unusual plants. For example, bright red dwarf lilies grow in these places. And when you get to Bolshie Koty, do not forget to go up to the observation platform. From there, a beautiful view of Baikal and the village opens.

Remember that in some parts of the route you will have to climb uphill and pass through stone screes. You can rest only in equipped parking lots. In addition, to visit, you need to obtain permission from the National Park "Reserved Baikal" in Irkutsk or in the forestry in Listvyanka.

3. "Singing Pine Coast"

In Russia, there are not only the usual forest reserves and national parks. In the Gulf of the Sea of ​​Japan, the Far Eastern Marine Reserve is located, almost the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is occupied by water. You can get acquainted with its sights on the excursion "Coast of Singing Pine Trees". The route through the water area without landing on the islands takes four hours. The ledges of Cape Sosnovy, to which tourists go, are crowned with densely flowered pines and thickets of the Schlippenbach rhododendron. On the way, you can see kekurs - rocks standing separately in the sea, on which spotted seals rookery. And on the island of Hildebrandt there is even a remnant of an ancient volcano.

The reserve also offers other excursions. If acquaintance with kekurs is not enough, you can go to the Srednaya Bay. This route involves disembarkation and a walk along the coast.

4. Ecotrails of the Crane Homeland Reserve

In the Crane Homeland near Moscow, untouched relict lakes and swamps have been preserved - habitats for rare birds and plants. Cranes nest here. In autumn, they gather in flocks with already grown chicks and take off into the sky. In mid-September, up to 1,500 birds gather in the pre-migratory gathering on the territory of the reserve.

The first excursions in the Crane Homeland begin in August. You can visit them only by prior appointment by car. But the ecological trails are open all year round. It is better to walk along them with a guide. On the route "House of Beavers" tourists will be told about beavers and their habits. And the "Bolotnaya Path" will allow you to learn more about the swamps of the Moscow region.

5. Underwater trail on Lake Teletskoye

Lake Teletskoye is located in the Altai Mountains and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Travelers over 18 last year appeared the opportunity not only to walk or go fishing on the shore, but also to explore the underwater world of the lake. The dive takes place with an experienced instructor to a depth of 5 to 40 meters.

The lake is inhabited by several species of fish, colonies of sponges, bryozoans and other creatures. But when diving, you can see not only a variety of flora and fauna, but also objects created by man. For example, a huge sunken pier, overgrown with algae, or a floating weather station. The structure was installed in the 1970s, and then it sank due to a severe storm.

6. Ecotrail "To the waterfall Galdoridon"

The Alania National Park in North Ossetia has more than 50 routes for people of all ages and physical fitness. One of the most interesting leads to the 3-meter five-cascade waterfall Galdoridon. You can go on foot or on horseback. On the trail, tourists will see "ram's foreheads" - rocky ledges smoothed by the movement of the glacier, as well as several waterfalls and wild rose bushes. The road is decorated with art objects, for example, an installation imitating birds that live in the national park. There is also a climbing wall and an outdoor playground. The length of the route is a little over four kilometers. The walk is designed for 2-4 hours.

7. "Acquired Delta"

The eco-trail in the Astrakhan Nature Reserve passes through four islands of the surface zone of the Volga delta. You have to walk on wooden decks. The road, 1.7 kilometers long, passes through reed beds and willow forests. Closer to the water, herons and kingfishers often sit on snags, and you can see a soaring white-tailed eagle in the sky. There is an observation tower on the trail, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. And if you book an excursion to the foredelta, you can get to the place where the Volga flows into the Caspian Sea.

8. Routes of the Kronotsky Reserve

Kronotsky Nature Reserve is a place where you can admire the unique nature of Kamchatka. There are several interesting routes here. For example, you can go to the valley of the Geysernaya River and look at boiling springs, geysers and water boilers. And just seven kilometers from this river is the Death Valley - a small area at the foot of the Kikhpinych volcano. There are no plants or animals here. The reason is the high concentration of toxic hydrogen sulfide. Viewing the area is allowed only from the observation deck. Travelers are also offered an excursion to the habitats of the brown bear. Visitors can observe the life of animals from a special tower.

You can get to the Kronotsky Reserve by helicopter from the city of Elizov. The transfer is organized by travel agencies of the Kamchatka Territory.