Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is located within the borders of Gölyaka district, Düzce province, in Türkiye's Black Sea Region. The park is 11 km from Gölyaka and approximately 18-28 km from Düzce city center. The nature park, located within the borders of Güzeldere Village, has an altitude of approximately 630 meters above sea level.
Güzeldere Waterfall, covering an area of 22.76 hectares, was registered as a "Recreation Area" on December 28, 1993, and gained "Nature Park" status on July 11, 2011.
Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(TC.Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı)
Waterfall and Geographical Structure
Güzeldere Waterfall is located on Bıçkı Stream, in the Bıçkı Düzü area. The waterfall cascades from rocks approximately 120–130 meters high. The area where the waterfall is located is within the Elmacık Mountains range, and the peak of Elmacık Mountain reaches an altitude of 1700 meters.
Below the waterfall are Lake Efteni and Bird Paradise; above it is Pürenli Plateau. The surroundings of the waterfall are covered with dense forest, and its natural landscape value is high.
Flora (Plant Cover)
Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park has a rich plant diversity. Tree species include beech, hornbeam, fir, yew, Scots pine, black pine, chestnut, linden, maple, ash, walnut, forest poplar, forest willow, rhododendron, cherry laurel, and spindle tree.
In the park area, herbaceous and shrubby plant species such as blackberry, rowan, hawthorn, common laurel, St. John's wort, snowdrop, Arabian hyacinth, cyclamen, violet, buttercup, fern, vetch, and bitter vetch are also observed.
Fauna (Wildlife)
Güzeldere Waterfall and its surroundings have a rich ecosystem in terms of wildlife. Various bird species and mammals inhabit the region. The proximity of Lake Efteni makes the park important for bird watching.
Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(TC.Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı)
Recreational Use and Facilities
Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park offers various recreational activities to visitors. These activities include walking, nature walking (trekking), camping, cycling, photography (photo-safari), picnicking, and scenic viewing. The park offers social facilities such as accommodation in country houses, tent camping, a country restaurant, a country cafe, and a buffet.
Access to the waterfall is provided by three separate paths and a staircase system organized within the park. The area also has walking trails and forest resting areas.
Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park.(TC.Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı)
Transportation
Access to Güzeldere Waterfall Nature Park is possible from both Istanbul and Ankara directions. Those coming from Istanbul follow the Hendek exit on the TEM highway and then the Gümüşova-Gölyaka route. Those coming from Ankara reach the Gümüşova-Gölyaka exit after the Kaynaşlı exit and then follow the Gölyaka sign. After Gölyaka, passing through Açma Village and Hacı Yakup Village, the park is reached by following the Güzeldere signs.
