Ersizlerdere Canyon Nature Park

Ersizlerdere Canyon Nature Park is a natural formation located within the boundaries of Kastamonu province in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. Due to its natural structure and surrounding ecosystem characteristics, the canyon has been placed under protection and granted the status of a nature park. The area is regarded as one of the region’s important natural sites due to its natural landscape features and suitability for recreational activities.

Ersizlerdere Canyon is located 64 km from the center of Kastamonu province, 8 km from Küre, 20 km from İnebolu Port, and 317 km from Ankara. The area is situated within a forested and mountainous landscape that forms part of the Küre Mountains. The canyon consists of a valley with rocky and steep slopes formed along the course of the stream.

Over time, the stream flowing through the canyon has eroded the rocks, creating a narrow and deep valley. As a result of this process, the canyon formation, together with the surrounding forested areas, constitutes a distinctive natural landscape.

^{Ersizlerdere Canyon (}Kastamonu Municipality⁾

The area surrounding Ersizlerdere Canyon has been declared a nature park by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to preserve its natural features. This status aims to protect the natural structure of the area and promote controlled recreational activities.

Under the nature park designation, the canyon and its surrounding natural areas are protected, and arrangements have been planned to allow visitors to engage in nature walks, landscape observation, and similar activities.

Ersizlerdere Canyon is surrounded by dense forest cover that is part of the Küre Mountains ecosystem. The region is dominated by vegetation typical of the Black Sea climate. The forested areas, stream bed, and rocky slopes together provide habitats for various species.

The stream flowing through the canyon and the humid microclimate in its vicinity create environmental conditions that support plant diversity. The natural structure of the area produces different landscape appearances depending on seasonal changes.

The origin of the canyon’s name is based on a local narrative tied to the settlement history of the region. Sources indicate that the settlement now known as Ersizler and Ersizlerdere was previously called Dereköy. Following the First World War, the Balkan Wars, and the War of Independence, many men from the village did not return home. As a result, during the early years of the Republic, the settlement began to be referred to as “Ersizler,” meaning “without men.” Subsequent administrative reorganizations led to the division of the settlement into two separate muhtarlik (village administrations) in 1961 under the names Ersizler and Ersizlerdere.^【1】

Ersizlerdere Canyon is among the visited areas due to its natural landscape features and walking trails. Following its designation as a nature park, certain arrangements have been made for visitors.

Visitors can engage in nature walks, photography, and landscape observation around the canyon. The area is visited at different times of the year, particularly due to the distinct natural appearances created by seasonal changes.

The area around the canyon exhibits different natural appearances throughout the year. During winter months, snow cover can form, significantly altering the canyon’s landscape. As a result of snowfall and low temperatures, the stream and surrounding vegetation take on a different appearance. These seasonal changes allow the region’s natural character to be observed in different forms across the year.