Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Erzincan

Erzincan Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Erzincan — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Girlevik Waterfall Trail, Kemah Gorge Rim Walk and Güvence Yayla Trek. This guide profiles 6+ hiking trails in Erzincan, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Erzincan is a provincial capital in eastern Turkey set at 1,185 metres in a broad valley carved by the Fırat (Euphrates) River. The province stretches from the volcanic peaks of the Mercan Mountains in the west to the high plateaux bordering Erzurum in the east. Erzincan is renowned throughout Turkey for two things: its exquisite telkari silver filigree jewellery tradition and its Tulum peyniri — a crumbly, pungent cheese matured in a goatskin pouch. The surrounding landscape rewards visitors with deep river gorges, thermal springs, Urartu-era ruins, and one of eastern Turkey's best ski resorts at Ergan Mountain.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Girlevik Waterfall Trail

    3 km return1–1.5 hours returnGain: 120 m

  2. 2

    Kemah Gorge Rim Walk

    5 km loop2–3 hoursGain: 200 m from Kemah town to castle ridge

  3. 3

    Güvence Yayla Trek

    8–12 km (variable loop)3–5 hoursStart at 1,750 m; reach 2,100 m on upper meadows

  4. 4

    Refahiye Forest Circuit

    6–10 km circuit (variable)2.5–4 hoursGain: 250–350 m

  5. 5

    Pekeriç Canyon Trek

    8–14 km (depending on entry point and depth of canyon explored)4–6 hoursSignificant descent into canyon (200–300 m); same elevation gain on return

  6. 6

    Ergan Mountain Summer Trail

    6–10 km (summit approach variable)3–5 hoursStart at 2,000 m; summit area at 2,800 m

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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