Yazılı Canyon Nature Park, situated near the town of Sütçüler approximately 60 kilometres south of Isparta city, is one of the most scenic natural areas in the province. The park takes its name — yazılı meaning inscribed or written in Turkish — from ancient rock carvings and inscriptions found in the canyon walls. The canyon is formed by a stream cutting through the limestone massif of the Western Taurus, producing a series of steep-sided gorges, cascades, and clear turquoise pools. The main visitor route follows the canyon floor for roughly three kilometres, crossing wooden footbridges and passing alongside several small waterfalls and swimming holes. The river water, fed by high-altitude springs, is exceptionally clear and cold even in summer. A longer trail of approximately 8 kilometres round trip climbs above the gorge rim and provides views over the full canyon system and the surrounding cedar and pine forest. The ancient Pisidian city of Adada lies about 10 kilometres from the park entrance and can be combined with a canyon visit for a full day in the Sütçüler area. Within the park, a basic picnic area near the entrance provides tables and shaded seating. The canyon walls support rich botanical diversity including endemic plant species and provide habitat for raptors such as eagles and peregrine falcons. The park is managed by the Turkish General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks; an entry fee of 20 TRY is collected at the gate during opening hours. The road to the park from the Sütçüler junction is unsealed for the last few kilometres and requires a standard car with reasonable ground clearance.
Good to know
- Hours
- 08:00–20:00 (summer); 08:00–17:00 (winter)
- Best time
- April–June and September–October; avoid midsummer heat
Location
Yazılı Kanyon Tabiat Parkı, Sütçüler, Isparta
37.4837, 30.9745 View on map
Highlights
- Turquoise river pools and small waterfalls along a 3 km canyon floor trail
- Ancient Pisidian rock inscriptions in canyon walls giving the park its name
- Cedar and pine forest rising above the gorge with raptor nesting on cliff faces
- Extended trail (8 km round trip) to canyon rim viewpoints above the gorge
- Combinable with the nearby ancient city of Adada for a full day out
Tips for visiting
- Bring a swimsuit — the canyon pools are clean and inviting in summer, though the water is cold year-round
- The unsealed approach road requires a standard car; avoid it after heavy rain
- Start early (before 10:00) in summer — the canyon floor is shaded and cooler in the morning
- Combine with the ancient city of Adada (~10 km away) for a full day in the Sütçüler area
- No food vendors inside the park; bring provisions or use the roadside stalls near the entrance
When to visit
April to June and September to October provide the most pleasant conditions; the river runs high in spring and temperatures are moderate. Midsummer crowds peak on July and August weekends; weekday visits are significantly quieter.
Accessibility
The canyon floor path is rough and involves irregular stone surfaces and wooden bridges. Wheelchair access is not available. The picnic area near the entrance is reachable by car but is on an unpaved surface.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk through Yazılı Canyon?
The main canyon floor trail takes 1.5–2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Adding the rim trail and picnic time extends the visit to 4–5 hours.
Is swimming allowed in the canyon pools?
Swimming in the river pools is customary and widely practised, but there are no lifeguards or formal swimming areas. The water is cold even in August.
Is the park suitable for children?
Yes, the canyon floor trail is manageable for older children. Younger children should be supervised near the river. The terrain involves some uneven rocky surfaces.