Kholyny Natural Monument

The Kholyny natural monument lies in Okulovka District forest between Valday and Borovichi. A protected woodland tract with characteristic relief and flora; visit rules are softer than a strict reserve but picking may be limited. Trails are not always signed — often logging roads and paths used by local mushroom pickers. Mixed forest with spruce, pine and deciduous species; especially fine in spring and autumn. Little known outside the district; few tourists. For quiet forest and botany lovers, not a checklist Novgorod sight. Visit en route between Valday and Borovichi or as part of an Okulovka forest loop. Allow 2–3 hours and return to the car before dusk.