Abr Forest, Shahrud

Abr Forest in Shahrud is one of the most beautiful and oldest Hyrcanian forests. Covering 35,000 hectares, it lies in northeastern Iran, in Semnan Province. The forest is known as "Abr" (meaning "cloud") because it is covered by thick clouds much of the time. Two different climates meet in this area, and their meeting creates a wave of cloud close to the ground, which adds to the beauty of the forest.

Abr Forest is home to rare plants and animals, some of which are found only in this region. Plant species include wild cherry, beech, oak, alder and elm trees, and the wildlife of the forest includes the brown bear, wolf and leopard, as well as birds such as the forest eagle and the chukar partridge. Waterfalls such as Alucheh-Chal (Aloochal) and Sharshar are other natural attractions of the forest, and hiking along the trails to them is an exciting and unforgettable experience for travellers.

To reach Abr Forest, you need to take special side roads from Shahrud and Bastam, which allow only limited access by car. However, because of the particular environmental conditions, getting into the forest and camping there requires a local guide and suitable equipment. The forest is an ideal destination, especially for those looking for a distinctive experience close to nature. The best time to explore this beautiful forest is from late Farvardin to mid-Mehr (roughly mid-April to early October). In fact, the clouds are worth seeing in every season, but if you visit in the cold months of the year, you must bring full equipment and warm clothing. To see the ocean of clouds that fills the forest, you should go on a day when the weather in Shirinabad is cloudy or rainy and the weather in Shahrud is sunny. So, for a more beautiful view during your stay in Abr Forest, don't forget to check the weather!