Yugo-Zapadniy forrest park, Protected forest park in South-Western Moscow, Russia.
Yugo-Zapadniy forest park is a protected natural area in the southwest of Moscow, covered by dense woodland and crossed by the Samorodinka River. A network of paths and small bridges connects the different parts of the forest, making it easy to move through the whole area on foot.
The land that now forms the park was part of private estates before the Soviet period, when it was brought under public protection. That change made it possible for the forest to survive as Moscow expanded around it.
The park is a regular part of daily life for people living in the surrounding neighborhoods, who use it for walks and time outdoors. It feels more like a real forest than a city park, which is part of why locals treat it as their own backyard.
The closest metro stop is Yugo-Zapadnaya, and the park is within walking distance from there. Good footwear is worth bringing, as the paths can get muddy after rain or during the spring thaw.
The Samorodinka River runs through the park but stays hidden under dense tree cover for most of its course, so many visitors walk right past it without noticing. Following the smaller side paths gives the best chance of finding it.
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