Uzungöl Nature Park

Description

Located in Trabzon’s Çaykara district, Uzungöl Nature Park, with its long lake nestled between mountains and dense spruce forests, is one of the Black Sea region’s most famous natural areas.

Story

Uzungöl Nature Park lies in a valley among the Eastern Black Sea mountains, where clouds often seem to touch the ground. It takes its name from the long, narrow lake formed when a landslide blocked the flow of the stream. Located about 20 kilometers from Çaykara and around 100 kilometers from Trabzon city center, this area has become one of the symbols of Black Sea tourism since the late 20th century. The region was declared a nature park in 1989, bringing it under protection and aiming to guide both natural conservation and the development of local life within certain limits. At the heart of the park is Uzungöl itself, a lake that almost mirrors the surrounding mountains. The slopes around the lake are largely covered with spruce and beech forests. In the early morning, a layer of mist forms over the valley and slowly drapes the surface of the lake; this is one of the moments photographers most eagerly seek. In summer, the cool and humid climate offers relief to visitors coming especially from hotter cities, while in winter the snow-covered mountains and the calm lake create a completely different atmosphere. The villages around Uzungöl reflect the harmony of wood and stone typical of traditional Black Sea architecture. In the past, locals largely made their living from animal husbandry and maize cultivation, whereas today tourism income stands out. Even so, transhumance to the high plateaus, haymaking season, local dishes such as corn bread and mıhlama, and cultural elements like the horon dance accompanied by the sound of the tulum bagpipe remain part of everyday life. Hiking routes that extend to nearby plateaus offer good opportunities both for nature observation and for seeing this traditional lifestyle up close. Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, follow marked trails for nature walks, or watch the valley from above at nearby viewing points. The area has a rich diversity of birds, including songbirds and birds of prey, so bringing binoculars and a camera is often a very good idea. However, to ensure that all this beauty can be sustained, park authorities particularly emphasize using rubbish bins within the park boundaries, not leaving any litter around the lake, and staying on designated paths while hiking. What makes Uzungöl Nature Park special is not only the beauty of the landscape, but also the sound of the water, the scent of the trees, and the ever-changing light shaped by the mist. A few hours spent here usually remain in visitors’ memories as an unforgettable image of the Black Sea’s green, cool, and vibrant character.

Visit Tips

• When walking in Uzungöl Nature Park, it is advisable to go early in the morning; this way, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy nature.
• Make sure to make a reservation at the restaurants around the lake to try local flavors, as the crowds increase, especially during the summer months.
• If you are considering camping, keep in mind that there are camping areas in certain parts of the park; however, do not forget to obtain permission.
• For those who love photography, sunrise and sunset times offer the most ideal moments; be there early or late to not miss these special moments.

Photos