Located within the borders of Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, Huser Plateau is one of the Black Sea plateaus that stands out with its view and hiking opportunities. Neighboring the peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains at an altitude of 2,328 meters, Huser is situated across from Ayder Plateau, above the clouds, and is one of the traditional plateaus where locals migrate during the summer months.
Huser Plateau (AA)
Location and Transportation
Huser Plateau is established on the peaks of the mountains to the left of the entrance to Ayder Plateau. Access to the plateaus partly by vehicle and partly on foot. Visitors arriving by car can follow the Avusor Plateau road, drive 2 km, then turn left and reach the plateau after a scenic 20–30 minute drive. Those who prefer hiking can take the clearly marked 3 km trail starting from Ayder, reaching the summit in 2–3 hours.
Natural Beauty and Scenery
Huser Plateau offers a wide panorama overlooking the Kaçkar Mountain ranges, including Altıparmak, Kemerli, Kavrun, and Verçenik, as well as valleys such as Palakçur, Avusor, Çeymakçur, and Kavrun. At sunset, visitors can capture photographs against the sea of clouds, making the plateau a favorite route for photo safaris and nature enthusiasts. From Huser, one can view altitudes ranging from 0 to 4000 meters simultaneously.
Settlement and Tourism
The plateau is home to around 15 households, mainly used in summer by locals from the villages of Açaba and Uğrak. Interest in Huser increased after the completion of the vehicle road in 2007, making it a popular destination for day-hikers and tourists. A few guesthouses and small facilities operate in the area, while traditional plateau culture and lifestyle continue to be preserved.
Tourism Activities
Huser Plateau is rich in opportunities for camping, trekking, watching sunrise and sunset, photographing the sea of clouds, and observing natural landscapes and flora. Especially in summer, it attracts many domestic and international tourists together with nearby plateaus such as Ayder, Pokut, Gito, and Sal. Visitors can also enjoy tea stops, as well as taste organic honey, butter, and cheese—important attractions of the region.
Cultural and Natural Conservation
The Kaçkar Mountains are listed among the “200 ecological regions that need protection” by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Within this scope, Huser Plateau is considered an important site for environmental protection and sustainable tourism. The Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism calls on visitors to be mindful of cleanliness and the preservation of natural heritage in the plateaus.
