Kurşunlu Waterfall

Kurşunlu Şelalesi is a natural nature park and waterfall located within the boundaries of Antalya province, center district, in Türkiye’s Mediterranean Region. It is accessible via a 7-kilometer road branching north from the Soğucaksu Bridge, off the 24th kilometer of the Antalya-Isparta highway. Situated at an elevation of 80 meters above sea level, it lies at 36° 59' north latitude and 30° 43' east longitude.

The waterfall attracts attention with its 18-meter drop and seven interconnected ponds linked by smaller cascades. The small pool formed at the base of the fall, known as a devkazan, has a depth of 5 to 6 meters, a length of approximately 36 meters, and a width of 45 meters. Located within a 2-kilometer canyon on Antalya travertines, Kurşunlu Şelalesi was opened to the public as a park in 1986. On 21 June 1991, the Ministry of Forest declared its 394-hectare section a Nature Park. While the waterfall and picnic area cover 33 hectares, the total area of the nature park is 596.54 hectares.

Kurşunlu Şelalesi (Culture Portal)

Flora and Fauna

Kurşunlu Şelalesi Nature Park is distinguished by its healthy forest structure and rich biological diversity. Red pine trees dominate the region; however, oriental plane, laurel, carob, wild olive, mastic tree, söğüt and fig trees are also found individually or in small groups. The forest understory consists of myrtle, strawberry tree, zakkum, blackberry, wild rose, milkweed, ilgin, linden, kermes oak, oregano, wild mint, island onion, laurel, ferns and vines. Among aquatic plants, water hyacinth, water mint and reeds float on the surface; water starwort and filamentous green algae grow submerged; and water lilies serve as floating vegetation.

The fauna of the nature park is equally diverse. Wild boar, fox, rabbit, badger, squirrel, bat, ibex, woodpecker, chamois, green-headed duck, rock partridge, saz chicken, black grouse, chukar, water rail, water turtle, snake, lizard, siroz, carp, snakehead, trout and mullet can be observed in the area. This rich flora and fauna have made Kurşunlu Şelalesi an attractive destination for eco-tourism activities such as nature walking, plant and animal observation.

History and Conservation

Kurşunlu Şelalesi was opened to the public as a park in 1986 and granted Nature Park status in 1991. Managed by the VI. Region Directorate of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the area is heavily visited year-round by domestic and foreign tourists due to its biological diversity, natural landscape beauty, proximity to a cultural center and favorable climatic conditions. The numerous small and large waterfalls, maquis formations and lily-filled lake highlight the park’s exceptional landscape value. With these features, Kurşunlu Şelalesi Nature Park stands out as one of Türkiye’s important nature conservation areas.

Features and Services

Kurşunlu Şelalesi Nature Park offers natural landscape beauty integrated with striking water and rock formations. The clean air and landscape surrounding the waterfall attract many visitors for day trips, relaxation and picnics. Within the park, facilities include scenic viewing terraces, child park, a restaurant, parking, walking trails, drinking water and restrooms. Access is provided by private vehicles as well as row municipality buses and minibuses. The park, located 22 kilometers from Antalya city center, is also reachable via the Antalya-Aksu highway.

The most suitable months for visiting are period April to December. Activities such as day picnics, nature walks and tented camping are possible. Facilities are available within the park to meet visitors’ food and beverage needs.