Espiye Seven Mills Nature Park is a 103-hectare forested and natural area located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, within the boundaries of the Yeniköy, Akkaya, and Avluca villages in the Espiye district of Giresun province. The area was designated as a nature park and placed under protection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2013. The park is approximately 62 km from the city center of Giresun and 28 km from the Espiye district.

^{Espiye Seven Mills Nature Park - (Culture Portal)}

Historical and Cultural Values

The Seven Mills, from which the park takes its name, are about 250-300 years old and are still actively used by the local villagers. It is believed that these mills were originally used during the Genoese period for ore grinding. The mills are built on the region’s water sources, offering visitors a nostalgic atmosphere and an immersive experience in nature. In addition to the mills, the park also contains three historic stone arch bridges. These bridges blend harmoniously with the lush forest and contribute significantly to the park’s cultural heritage.

^{Mill - (AA)}

Natural Features

One of the park’s most impressive natural features is the Seven Mills Cave. The cave is 207 meters long and varies in height from half a meter to 10 meters. Inside, water flows powerfully, and the karstic cave is adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations. Each centimeter of the stalactites takes between 50 and 80 years to form, with some measuring between 1.5 and 3 meters in length. Due to its narrow entrance and waterway nature, the cave can only be explored after August with special equipment and guides.

The underground water emerging from the Seven Mills Cave is known as Patlak Su Creek, which forms a total of nine waterfalls as it flows toward the mills. These waterfalls and streams are among the park’s most enchanting natural features. Additionally, there are over 30 sediment formations at the area where Çay Creek flows into the park, three of which have formed dolines (sinkholes).

^{Seven Mills Cave - (AA)}

Flora and Fauna

The park hosts diverse ecosystems, including forest, rock-cave-doline, and stream-waterfall-underground water systems. Thanks to this rich natural structure, it is home to 97 different plant species. The most common trees include alder, maple, hornbeam, spruce, elderberry, and boxwood. Economically valuable species such as hazelnut and wild hazelnut also grow in the area.

The park is also rich in animal diversity, with 154 vertebrate species recorded. It is especially important for bird species due to Turkey’s location on bird migration routes, with 102 bird species identified in the park. Storks, herons, pigeons, owls, falcons, swallows, and ducks are among the birds living in the park.

Visiting and Tourism

Seven Mills Nature Park welcomes approximately 45,000 visitors annually. The park is suitable for activities such as hiking, photography, cave exploration, and historical tourism. The cave, one of the park’s main attractions, is only accessible from August onwards with special equipment and guided tours. The region attracts both domestic and foreign tourists with its natural beauty and historical structures.

Transportation

Access to the park is quite convenient. It can be easily reached by road from Giresun and Espiye. The park is located at the intersection of Yeniköy, Akkaya, and Avluca villages, with access possible via village and main roads.

^{Espiye Seven Mills Nature Park - (Devri Alem TV)}