Zinav Lake

Zinav Lake is located within the boundaries of the Reşadiye district in Tokat Province, in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. It is situated 17 kilometers from the Reşadiye district center and approximately 3 kilometers from Yolüstü (Meğedün) village. The lake and its surroundings, designated as a “Nature Park” in 2011, were officially declared a Tourism Center by a Council of Ministers decision dated 23 June 2010 and numbered 2010/647. Zinav Lake Nature Park covers a total area of 401 hectares.

^{Zinav Lake (}Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye⁾

Zinav Lake is a natural freshwater lake formed by a landslide. Its average surface area is 1.5 square kilometers. The lake is fed by streams and small water sources, and its outflow, via a channel, empties into the Kelkit River. Its average depth ranges between 10 and 15 meters. There are no marshy areas along its shores. The surrounding area is densely forested, and this zone has been designated by the Ministry of Forestry as a “Natural Life Conservation Area”.

Zinav Lake attracts attention due to its ecosystem. The region provides habitat for freshwater fish species such as carp, tench, Japanese carp, and roach (mirror carp). The lake also serves as a habitat for numerous bird species and is an important resting and nesting site for migratory birds. Additionally, the forested areas around the lake exhibit diversity in endemic plant species and native flora.

Zinav Canyon, located north of the lake, lies along the North Anatolian Fault Line. The canyon reaches a depth of approximately 380 meters and contains seven waterfalls and small lakes with depths ranging from 1 to 4 meters.

The canyon is regarded as an important natural heritage due to its natural formation, the species it supports, and its geological structure. As of 2023, under the leadership of the Tokat Governorship, safety measures are being implemented and plans are underway to develop nature walking trails with the aim of opening the canyon to tourism.

^{Zinav Canyon (}Republic of Türkiye, Tokat Governorship⁾

Zinav Lake Nature Park offers a suitable environment for activities such as nature walking, photography, cycling, wildlife observation, and picnicking. In 2021, as part of a project implemented in collaboration between the Governorship, District Governorship, and Provincial Special Administration, facilities including cabins, walking paths, landscape improvements, picnic areas, a small mosque, and a cafeteria were constructed. Additionally, boat tours on the lake have been made available to visitors. Sport fishing is also practiced in and around the lake, making the area a prominent destination for nature tourism and highland tourism.

^{Zinav Lake Nature Park (}Anadolu Agency⁾

The “Project for the Integration of Zinav Lake Nature Park into Tourism,” prepared by the Reşadiye District Governorship’s Village Services Union, has been submitted to the General Directorate of National Parks and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Central Black Sea Development Agency (CBDA). The project aims to develop the region in accordance with sustainable tourism principles, integrating various tourism types such as nature sports, health tourism, highland tourism, and winter tourism. Additionally, it seeks to ensure environmental sustainability and increase local employment.

Zinav Lake Nature Park is approximately 99 kilometers from the city center of Tokat, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The distance from Tokat Airport to the park is 117 kilometers. Access from the Reşadiye district center is approximately 17 kilometers. Transportation from Reşadiye center to Yolüstü Village is provided by village shuttles or private vehicles, and access to the lake area is possible only by private vehicle.