If you can figure out the puzzles, this is a great place to get some really cool stuff. The official FF7 strategy guide says that to get to this place you need to walk up to it after defeating Ultima Weapon. He crashes down to the ground, altering the landscape (don't worry - it's obvious) so that the Ancient Forest is accessable. But you can also get to it using a Green Mountain-Climbing Chocobo (I'm hoping to add a Chocobo-breeding section later). Once inside the forest, there are a few different levels to complete to get to the end. If you mess up one puzzle, you have to start over. If you want to figure out the puzzles yourself, read no further. But if you want some tips to help get you started, continue on....
 

Items to Find:
- Spring Gun Clip
- Supershot ST
- Slash-All Materia
- Minerva Band
- Typoon Summon Materia
- Apocalypse
- Elixir
 

Basics:
There are several components to each area of the Ancient Forest that you must manipulate in order to get through. Insects can be picked up and put down in different areas. You can carry more than one at a time, and they can be used inside Pitcher Flowers to create a bridge that Cloud can walk on. But you have to be fast - once the flower digests the insect, you'll have to exit the forest and start over. If you place a Frog inside a pitcher flower, the flower will hold it for a few moments and then spit it out. If Cloud is standing on top of it, he will be thrown across an obstacle. Sometimes you'll have to lure a frog out of a hollow tree using an insect as bait.

One obstacle that you'll have to pass could be a Flytrap. These are dangerous and can reduce Cloud's hitpoints when he gets caught in one. (If you can spare a few HP, then go ahead and try it - it can be pretty funny when you're as easily amused as I am). Usually you can jump over or be thrown over a flytrap, but sometimes you may need to shut it's jaws. This can be done by placing a Beehive inside it. But, again, be quick - plants digest their food quickly in this place.

One last tip, Stamen can be used to throw Cloud to higher areas. They are a great way to get over some obstacles, and are pretty easy to notice hanging out of the trees.

That's pretty much it. Remember, if you screw up, then you can always go back to the last area and come back. There is no limit to the number of tries you get. By the way, there are creatures roaming the Ancient Forest, so keep your party in good shape. If you get truly stuck, then send me an e-mail and I'll help you out. Good luck!