Kaz Dağları National Park, known formally as Kazdağları Milli Parkı and historically as Mount Ida, covers 22,757 hectares of forested mountain terrain in the Edremit district of Çanakkale Province. The park encompasses the highest peaks of the Biga Peninsula, with the summit of Sarıkız reaching 1,774 metres above sea level. In Greek mythology, Mount Ida was the setting for the Judgment of Paris — the event that set the Trojan War in motion — and the mountain appears repeatedly in the Iliad as the vantage point from which Zeus observed the battle.
The park's primary attractions are its dense Anatolian black pine forests, cold mountain streams, and hiking trails connecting villages, waterfalls, and viewpoints. The Sarıkız summit trail, departing from Çamlıbel village, passes through pine and beech forest before emerging at a plateau with sweeping views toward the Gulf of Edremit and the Aegean coast. The round trip is approximately 12 km and takes four to six hours. The Hasan Boğuldu waterfall and several smaller cascades along the Edremit valley draw summer visitors seeking cooler temperatures.
The region is renowned in Turkey for organic olive oil production — the terraced olive groves on the lower slopes are among the oldest in the country, and many small farms offer direct sales. Birdwatching is popular, with species including the short-toed snake eagle, Eurasian honey buzzard, and various raptors. Wild boar and red fox are common; the park supports populations of brown bear and otter in its more remote reaches.
Facilities at the park are modest. The main trailheads are near Çamlıbel and Adatepe villages; both have small restaurants and basic accommodation. Park entry is free. A rental car provides the most flexibility for reaching trailheads from Edremit or Çanakkale.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- morning
Location
Kazdağları Milli Parkı, Edremit, Çanakkale (80km southeast of Çanakkale city)
39.7032, 26.9198 View on map
Highlights
- Sarıkız summit (1,774 m) with panoramic views over the Gulf of Edremit and the Aegean coast
- Dense Anatolian black pine and beech forests along well-marked hiking trails
- Mythological association with Mount Ida — setting of the Judgment of Paris in Greek mythology
- Hasan Boğuldu waterfall and mountain streams offering cool summer respite
- Organic olive groves on lower slopes, among the oldest and most productive in Turkey
Tips for visiting
- Trail signage can be inconsistent; download an offline map (AllTrails or similar) before entering the park
- The Sarıkız summit trail requires sturdy hiking boots and 4–6 hours; start early in the morning
- Carry sufficient water — mountain springs are present but not always reliable or clean
- The villages of Adatepe and Çamlıbel have basic restaurants and guesthouses for overnight stays
- Visit in June for wildflowers and bearable summit temperatures; avoid July–August midday heat on exposed trails
- Organic olive oil is sold directly at farms near Adatepe — a notable local purchase
When to visit
Late spring (May–June) offers wildflowers, full streams, and moderate summit temperatures. Autumn (September–October) is excellent for forest colour and clearer skies. Summer weekends attract crowds to the lower waterfalls near the villages.
Accessibility
Riverside areas and lower village paths near Çamlıbel and Adatepe are accessible on foot for most visitors. The summit trails and more remote waterfalls involve steep, uneven terrain and are not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with significant mobility limitations. No dedicated accessible trails exist within the national park.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Kaz Dağları National Park?
No, the park is free to enter. Some trailhead car parks may charge a nominal parking fee seasonally.
How difficult are the hiking trails in the park?
Trails range from easy riverside walks to the strenuous Sarıkız summit route (approx. 12 km, 4–6 hours). The summit trail involves significant elevation gain and requires good fitness and appropriate footwear.
Is it possible to visit the park without a car?
Buses run to Edremit from Çanakkale and seasonal dolmuş services connect to some villages, but access to trailheads is significantly easier by rental car. Independent hiking without a car requires careful planning around dolmuş schedules.