Ulugöl Nature Park

Ulugöl Nature Park, is located within the boundaries of the Gölköy district of Ordu province in Ordu. Situated between the villages of Süleymaniye and Haruniye, the park is approximately 9–17 kilometers from the Gölköy district center and 63–74 kilometers from the Ordu city center. The distance to Ordu–Giresun Airport is approximately 96.2 kilometers. All roads leading to the park are fully asphalted, making access by vehicle possible.

^{Ulugöl Tabiat Parkı} (Gölköy Kaymakamlığı)

Ulugöl was officially registered as the Ulugöl Nature Park by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on 7 September 2009 and declared Türkiye’s 36th nature park. The total area of the park is 26.5 hectares. The lake within the park, named Ulugöl, covers approximately 80 decares.

Ulugöl is a crater lake. Within the boundaries of the nature park, there are three landslide-dammed lakes. One of these is a large body of water named Ulugöl; the other two are smaller water bodies covered with reed beds. These lakes preserve their natural structure and contribute to the region’s aquatic ecosystem.

Ulugöl Nature Park possesses a rich forest ecosystem. The forest cover consists primarily of beech trees, with additional species including hornbeam, oak, maple, and hazel. The aquatic vegetation includes water lilies, reeds, bulrushes, and watercress on the lake surface. Among the fauna of the lake is the Abant Alası fish species.

^{Ulugöl Tabiat Parkı} (TC.Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı)

The nature park is designed to accommodate visitor activities such as picnicking, nature walking, cycling, photography, and observation of plants and wildlife. Within the area, infrastructure elements suitable for day-use include walking paths, a mosque, children’s play areas, picnic tables, shelters, a snack bar, fountains, restrooms, and a parking lot. Additionally, basketball and volleyball courts are available for sports activities. Occasionally, events such as calm water races are organized in cooperation with local administrations and civil society organizations during summer festival events.

^{Ulugöl Tabiat Parkı} (TC.Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı)

Within the nature park, a total of 12 rural cottages have been planned to accommodate families. These cottages provide services without disrupting the area’s harmonious natural structure.

^{Ulugöl Tabiat Parkı} (TC.Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı)

Ulugöl Nature Park holds significant landscape value due to its forest cover and water features. It is particularly notable during autumn months, when leaf fall creates striking color transitions.