A bike path has been built in a forest in the Mykolaiv region

The Southern Branch of the state-owned enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" has begun developing the first bicycle route through one of the forest areas in the Mykolaiv region—the Trikratsky Forest.

This was reported by the enterprise’s press office.

The Trikratsky Forest consists of state-protected nature reserves in the Voznesensk District of Mykolaiv Oblast, near the village of Trikraty and at the confluence of the Arbuzinka and Mertvovod rivers. It encompasses two protected areas: “Labyrinth” (247 hectares) and “Vasileva Pasika” (252 hectares). The Arbuzinka River flows through the Trikratsky Forest (the “Labyrinth” protected area).

The forest was planted by Count Viktor Skarzhynsky, a pioneer of steppe afforestation, in the first half of the 19th century near the count’s estate in the vicinity of the village of Trikraty. Initially, the area was a park with numerous trails and bridges spanning the river’s tributaries, which is why this section was named the Labyrinth. A lake lies in the center of the tract, and squirrels inhabit the area. The tract’s most valuable asset is its 120- to 200-year-old oak trees, numbering over 350. “Myron’s Garden” is home to the only colony of gray herons in the Mykolaiv region. The Aktivsky Canyon is located near the Trikraty Forest.

The new route will connect the most interesting tourist sites:

• the “Labyrinth” tract—a network of winding paths among ancient oaks planted by Count Viktor Skarzhynsky;
• May Glade—a place that is covered every spring with a variety of steppe and forest plants;
• the 300-year-old oak—one of the symbols of the Trikraty Forest and a living witness to its history;
• The White Cliffs—unique outcrops of light-colored granite formed millions of years ago;
• Arbuzinsky Canyon—one of the most famous natural landmarks in southern Ukraine, featuring steep granite slopes;
• the “Vasileva Pasika” tract.

The route will be fully marked. Modern information kiosks will be installed at key stops, featuring descriptions of natural sites, the history of the area, rules for visiting the forest, and navigation guidance. The creation of this cycling route is another step by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” toward developing modern recreational infrastructure and promoting Ukraine’s natural heritage.

Кирило Бойко