Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is located within the boundaries of the Gölyaka district in the province of Düzce, in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. The park is situated approximately 11 km from Gölyaka and about 18–28 km from the city center of Düzce. The nature park, located within the boundaries of Güzeldere Village, has an elevation of approximately 630 meters above sea level.

Spanning an area of 22.76 hectares, Güzeldere Waterfall was officially registered as a Recreation Area on 28 December 1993 and later granted the status of a Nature Park on 11 July 2011.

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye)

Waterfall and Geographic Structure

Güzeldere Waterfall is situated on the Bıçkı Creek at the Bıçkı Düzü location. The waterfall cascades from cliffs approximately 120–130 meters high. The area where the waterfall is located lies within the Elmacık Mountains range, where the summit of Elmacık Mountain reaches an elevation of 1700 meters.

Beneath the waterfall lie Efteni Lake and Bird Sanctuary; above it is Pürenli Plateau. The surrounding area is densely covered by forest vegetation and possesses high natural landscape value.

Flora (Vegetation)

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is home to a rich diversity of plant species. Tree species include beech, hornbeam, fir, linden, Turkish pine, black pine, chestnut, lime, silver birch, ash, walnut, mountain maple, mountain willow, mountain rose, blackberry and oak.

In addition, herbaceous and shrub species such as blackberry, grape, dogwood, tamarisk, St. John’s wort, edelweiss, wild hyacinth, saxifrage, violet, bridal flower, fern, fava bean and vetch are also observed within the park area.

Fauna (Wildlife)

Güzeldere Waterfall and its surroundings form a rich ecosystem for wildlife. The region shelters various bird species and mammals. The proximity of Efteni Lake enhances the park’s significance for birdwatching.

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye)

Recreational Use and Facilities

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park offers visitors a range of recreational activities including walking, nature trekking, camping, cycling, photography (photo-safari), picnicking and landscape viewing. The park provides social amenities such as accommodation in rustic cottages, tent camping, a rustic restaurant, a rustic café and a snack bar.

Access to the waterfall is provided through three designated trails and stair systems within the park. The area also features walking paths and forest rest areas.

Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye)

Access

Access to Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is possible from both Istanbul and Ankara. Visitors coming from Istanbul follow the TEM motorway and take the Hendek exit, then proceed along the Gümüşova–Gölyaka route. Those arriving from Ankara reach the Gümüşova–Gölyaka exit after the Kaynaşlı exit and follow the Gölyaka signs. After passing through Açma Village and Hacı Yakup Village, visitors follow the Güzeldere signs to reach the park.