Ulugöl Nature Park

Ulugöl Nature Park is located within the boundaries of the Gölköy district of Ordu province in Türkiye. 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 city center of Ordu. 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 Nature Park} (Gölköy Subdistrict Office)

Ulugöl was officially registered as “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, also 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 hornbeam trees, with additional species including alder, 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 Nature Park} (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

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 still-water races are organized in cooperation with local administrations and civil society organizations during seasonal highland festivals.

^{Ulugöl Nature Park} (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

A total of 12 rustic cottages, planned for family accommodation, are located within the nature park. These cottages provide services without disrupting the area’s harmonious natural structure.

^{Ulugöl Nature Park} (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

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.