The forested hills around Kızılcahamam (80 km north of Ankara) offer the best hiking terrain accessible from the city. Beech and oak forests with well-marked trails provide excellent half-day or full-day hikes. The area is part of the Soğuksu National Park. Several trails lead to panoramic viewpoints over the valley.
The Kızılcahamam Forest Trails are the most rewarding hiking terrain within day-trip range of Ankara, located 80 kilometres north of the city in Ankara Province. The trails are centred on Soğuksu National Park, a 1,186-hectare protected area of beech, oak, and black pine forest covering the slopes of the northern Anatolian hills at elevations between 950 and 1,600 metres.
Visitors travelling by bus depart from Ankara's AŞTİ intercity bus terminal on services towards Kızılcahamam (approximately 90 minutes; roughly 100 TRY one-way). A rental car or private taxi gives the most flexibility for reaching specific trailheads within the national park, as the park entrance is 4 kilometres from Kızılcahamam town centre. The national park entrance gate charges a standard entry fee (approximately 50–80 TRY per person; confirm the current rate on arrival). No advance permit is required.
Multiple trails branch from the main park entrance, ranging from a 3-kilometre signed nature walk to full-day circuits of up to 15 kilometres with 300 metres of elevation gain. The terrain is principally forest footpath, with occasional rocky sections on the longer ridgeline routes. Dense canopy shade is present throughout, and the paths follow stream valleys for much of their length. Mountain streams within the park can serve as water sources, though purification is advisable.
Key landmarks include the Soğuksu waterfall accessible via a signed 2-kilometre path from the park entrance, the open picnic meadows at the valley floor, and the forest ridge viewpoints to the north offering panoramas across the valley towards the Köroğlu Mountains. The longer circuits gain the ridge and traverse open sections of scrub before re-entering the forest. Several trails terminate near the thermal spa hotels on the outskirts of Kızılcahamam town, making a one-way traverse practical.
Facilities within the national park include a car park, picnic shelters, and a seasonal ranger station near the entrance. Restaurants and accommodation are available in Kızılcahamam town; the thermal baths at the spa hotels are popular for post-hike recovery. Emergency shelter does not exist on the ridgeline trails, and navigation relies on the marker posts along major paths. October is particularly celebrated for autumn foliage, drawing day-trippers from Ankara seeking vivid beech and oak colour.
Trail facts
- Best season
- April–October; autumn foliage in October is spectacular
- Terrain
- Forest footpaths, some rocky sections
Highlights
- Soğuksu National Park
- Beech and oak forest
- Mountain streams
- Valley viewpoints
- Thermal springs at trail end
Tips for visiting
- Pay the national park entrance fee at the gate and keep the ticket, as rangers patrol the trails and may check it.
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person — mountain streams are present but water from sources outside the park boundary should be treated or filtered.
- Sturdy trail shoes are recommended; the ridgeline paths involve loose stone and root-covered ground that can be slippery after rain.
- Check the bus schedule from AŞTİ in advance — services run approximately every 1–2 hours and the last return bus departs Kızılcahamam in the late afternoon.
- Autumn weekends (late September to late October) are busy with foliage-seekers; aim to arrive by 09:00 to secure parking and avoid trail congestion.
When to visit
April to October offers the most reliable conditions, with May (wildflowers, mild temperatures) and October (spectacular beech and oak autumn foliage) being the highlights. Summer afternoons can be warm but the dense forest canopy provides natural shade along the valley trails.
Accessibility
Soğuksu National Park trails are not suitable for wheelchairs or standard pushchairs. The terrain is uneven forest footpath with natural obstacles including roots, stones, and stream crossings. The paved picnic area immediately inside the park entrance is the only section accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Is Soğuksu National Park open year-round?
The park is generally open year-round, but upper ridgeline trails may be impassable in deep snow from December to March. Lower valley trails and picnic areas are accessible in most seasons.
How far is the trailhead from Ankara?
Kızılcahamam town is approximately 80 km north of central Ankara, a journey of about 90 minutes by bus or 70–80 minutes by car on the D-750 highway.
Are guided hiking tours available in this area?
Local tour operators in Ankara offer day trips to Kızılcahamam including transport and a guide; the major hotels in Ankara can recommend options and assist with bookings.
Can visitors combine the hike with the thermal baths?
Yes — several thermal spa hotels are located within walking distance of trail exits near town, and a post-hike soak is a popular combination for day-trippers from Ankara.
What wildlife might be encountered on the trails?
The park hosts roe deer, red fox, wild boar, and a wide range of woodland birds including black woodpecker and various raptors. Bears inhabit the broader area but are very rarely encountered on the main trails.