Koprulu Canyon National Park
Koprulu Canyon National Park in the Manavgat district, Antalya, Turkey
Koprulu Canyon National Park is located in the Manavgat district, near the village of Beskonak, about one and a half to two hours' drive from the center of Antalya. The park was established in 1973 to protect the canyon of the Koprucay River, forest areas, and the related natural and historical monuments. It is one of the most famous natural areas in the inland part of Antalya Province.
The main feature of the park is the deep gorge that the Koprucay River cuts through the limestone rock. The canyon is about 14 km long, and in some places its slopes rise very high above the riverbed. The water in the river is clear and cool even in summer, which is why the park is especially popular with those who come here for active recreation on the water and walks along natural trails.
The park's landscape combines rocky areas, riverbanks, and forests dominated by pine, cypress, cedar, juniper, and oak. This part of the Taurus Mountains is characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, and among the animals found here are wild goats, foxes, and various birds, including birds of prey. Thanks to this diversity, the park is interesting not only for rafting enthusiasts, but also for those who want to see a calmer natural side of the region.
Within the park and nearby, traces of the ancient past have been preserved. The most famous monument is the Roman stone Oluk Bridge over the Koprucay River, which still remains one of the park's recognizable landmarks. Higher up the valley are the ruins of the ancient city of Selge, and at some distance there is the Tazi Canyon viewpoint, which visitors come to for the wide view over the deep gorge.
Koprulu Canyon National Park on the map
Koprulu Canyon National Park, rafting, and historical monuments
Rafting on the clear river is combined with walks through shady forests.
Deep gorge, cold river, and forests of the Taurus Mountains
The main activity in the park is rafting on the Koprucay River. The most visited sections are suitable for organized rafting tours for different levels of experience, and along the river there are starting points, places for short stops, and areas by the water. Those who do not plan to raft are usually interested in walks along the banks, places to rest in the shade of the trees, and views of the canyon's rock walls.
Inside the park, you can see a combination of river valley and dense forest areas typical of the Western Taurus. In different parts there are pines, cypresses, cedars, junipers, and oaks, and in drier zones, wild olive and pistachio. Because of the difference in elevation and the proximity of the water, the natural conditions here differ noticeably from the coast, so even in the hot season, walks are easier to tolerate than in open coastal areas.
Among the historical sites, the most notable is Oluk Bridge, associated with the Roman period, while in the surrounding area the ruins of Selge and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream are of interest. Many travelers combine a trip to the park with a visit to the Tazi Canyon viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of another large gorge in this area.
People usually come here by car or on an excursion from Antalya, Side, Belek, and Manavgat via the road through Beskonak. Before the trip, it is worth considering that some routes pass through mountainous terrain, and the infrastructure inside the park is concentrated mainly by the river and in areas connected with rafting.
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