Kazdagi National Park
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Kazdagi National Park, Şahinderesi Canyon - by Ersin Soken (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
Kazdağı is a mountain between the provinces of Balıkesir and Çanakkale, in the south-western part of the Marmara region of Turkey. It was previously called Mount Ida and its bare summit culminates at 1,770m. The National Park that surrounds it is known for the diversity if its wildlife (deer, wild boar, jackal) and its natural features such as the Mıhlı waterfall.
Access & Transport
The park is just north of the town of Akçay in Balikesir Province, 200km north of Izmir and 100km west of Balıkesir (the city). We believe both towns have bus services to Akçay.
Instructions & Recommendations
You should wear shoes with proper grip and note that the area can be very cold in winter. The ruins of Assos are only 55km away (west along the shore) and so is Badavut Bech, heading south along the coastline.
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Socially marginally positive as it brings some revenues to the villages in the surrounding valleys
Conclusion
This natural park deserves to be more popular with outdoor enthusiasts; its main drawback is its remote location with no large city within less than 1h30 drive. If you happen to be in the Balikesir or Canakkale Provinces and looking for some hiking ideas, then this should be near the top of your list.
Key positive
Varied and enjoyable landscape
A good getaway from the heat in the summer
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
No spectacular sight or feature
Suitability
The trails are not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:3h
est. visit time:4h
Monday08:30 - 17:30
Tuesday08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday08:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:30 - 17:30
Friday08:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:30 - 17:30
Sunday08:30 - 17:30