Forest Gate

Forest Gate is the western entrance to the northern part of the Forest of Mirkwood beginning with the Elven-path.

It was described as an arch-like opening made by two large ivy layered, lichen covered trees bearing only a few blackened leaves that had leant together forming a dark narrow tunnel.

Its appearance was probably due to Sauron's evil influence which had spread throughout the once fair forest, after he had occupied Dol Guldur in TA 1050 under the guise of the Necromancer.

In the Hobbit
Thorin and Company passed through the Forest Gate on the twenty-fifth of July 2941 after Gandalf departed with the ponies.

After the Third Age
Its appearance probably changed after the cleansing of Mirkwood after the defeat of Sauron and destruction of Dol Guldur following the events of the War of the Ring.