Middle East Technical University maintains extensive planted pine and cedar forests within its campus grounds. A network of trails loops through the woods with signed paths. The forest provides rare shade in summer and is exceptionally popular with Ankara residents for weekend walks. Access requires campus entry (free, passport or ID at gate).
The METU (ODTÜ) Forest Trail network covers approximately 12 kilometres of marked paths through the planted pine and cedar forests within the campus of Middle East Technical University (Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi), situated in the western districts of Ankara at around 900 metres elevation. The terrain is gently rolling with roughly 80 metres of cumulative ascent distributed across the network.
Trailhead access for non-students is through the METU South Gate on the Eskişehir Road (D-260), where visitors must present a national identity card or passport to campus security; entry is free of charge. EGO bus lines connect the south gate to central Ankara, and a taxi from the city centre costs approximately 100 TRY. Parking is available within campus for vehicles near the south gate area.
The trails are marked with colour-coded signs and are primarily surfaced in packed earth and compacted gravel. Multiple loop routes exist, ranging from 3-kilometre short circuits to the full 12-kilometre network. The forest consists of dense stands of Scots pine, cedar of Lebanon, and black pine that provide near-continuous shade. Topography is gentle with modest undulations, and there are no exposed ridge sections or technical segments requiring specialist skills.
Key landmarks include the open sports fields that provide orientation points, the forested ridge north of the campus where the trail reaches its maximum elevation and offers glimpses of Ankara's urban skyline to the east, and the Eymir Lake access path departing from the southeastern corner of the campus. Squirrels are frequently seen along the northern sections; jay, great tit, and nuthatch are common bird species throughout the forest.
Water fountains are positioned at intervals near campus buildings, but the deeper forest sections have no water sources. Toilet facilities are available at several campus buildings open to the public, including the student union area. No refuge or shelter structures exist within the forest trails, though return to campus facilities is always straightforward.
The forest serves as one of Ankara's primary recreational green spaces and is exceptionally popular with residents for running, walking, and cycling. The network becomes busiest on Saturday and Sunday mornings from April through October. The southeastern connector to Eymir Lake adds approximately 3 km and makes a worthwhile extension for stronger walkers.
Trail facts
- Best season
- Spring and autumn; summer for shade
- Terrain
- Packed earth and gravel tracks
Highlights
- Dense pine and cedar forest
- Quiet trails
- Campus architecture
- Squirrel and bird life
Tips for visiting
- Carry a national ID card or passport — campus security at the south gate requires identification from non-student visitors.
- Download a campus map in advance; printed maps are not reliably available at the gate, making the colour-coded trail signs the primary navigation aid.
- The dense forest provides excellent summer shade; this trail is significantly more comfortable than exposed steppe alternatives during July and August.
- Light trail shoes or sturdy trainers are adequate; no specialist footwear is needed on the packed-earth paths.
- The southeastern connector to Eymir Lake adds approximately 3 km and makes a worthwhile extension for walkers with energy to spare.
When to visit
Spring (April to May) offers the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and birdsong at peak. Summer (June to August) remains comfortable due to dense shade. Autumn (October) is excellent for colour, while winter conditions are generally mild though mud can develop on earth tracks after rain.
Accessibility
The wider campus paths and main gravel tracks are passable with a sturdy pushchair but are not suitable for standard wheelchairs due to the uneven earth surface and occasional rooted sections. Visitors with limited mobility can use the paved campus roads that border the forest, which are fully accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a university affiliation to enter METU campus?
No — the campus is open to the public. Visitors must present a national ID or passport at the south gate; entry is free of charge.
How long does the full trail network take to walk?
The full 12-kilometre network takes approximately 3 to 4 hours at a moderate pace, though shorter loops of 3–5 km can be walked in under 2 hours.
Are bicycles allowed on the forest trails?
Cycling is permitted on the wider campus tracks and is popular among Ankara residents. Narrower forest footpaths are primarily intended for walkers.
Is the trail network suitable for trail running?
Yes — the packed-earth paths and gentle elevation make METU forest among the most popular trail-running venues in Ankara, used regularly by local running clubs.
Are there refreshment options within the forest area?
University cafeterias near the south gate area serve food and drinks and are open to the public on weekdays; options are more limited at weekends when many campus facilities close.