Looking for a relaxed hike through the woods? This easy trail in the lush Lori Province is great for those who are new to hiking, and offers an opportunity to visit the COAF SMART Center, a children’s tech and educational center revolutionizing rural life.

Starting or ending at the COAF SMART Center below the village of Dsegh, this trail winds through old footpaths that were once used by local people to go to and from the village. This part of Armenia has a special past, and today is home to exciting new developments. Dsegh is the birthplace of one of Armenia’s most celebrated poets, Hovhannes Tumanyan. He describes his childhood in the region as a “divine extravaganza.” 

What’s so special about this place? According to Tumanyan, it’s “the gorgeous nature of Lori, the breathtaking air, the drizzle of water fountains, the freedom of mountain and village life, the equality in our old village living, where everyone used to live in the same way, eat and drink the same thing together.” We must say, much hasn’t changed in the area since Tumanyan’s time, and thank goodness for that!