Çulhalar – Karacasu

Location: The trail is located in the north-northwest of Nallıhan. The starting point is within Çulhalar Village, which is approximately 20 km away from the town center. To reach the trail, take the D-140 highway heading north from the town center and, at around the 5th km, turn west onto the asphalt road that leads to Yakapınar, Çulhalar, Aydoğmuş, and Döğmeci villages.

General Features: The trail should be considered in two stages. The first stage is from Çulhalar Village to Uyuzsuyu Waterfall. It follows a path through the forest. The second stage descends from the waterfall to Uzundere Valley, following the stream along the valley until reaching Karacasu Village. This stage includes several water crossings, so hikers are advised to carry spare equipment. Karacasu Village, the endpoint of the trail, offers food, drinks, and accommodation options.

Hiking Distance: 7 Km

Hiking Duration: 3.5 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

Recommended Season: Spring, summer, and autumn. In winter, the trail is only suitable for professional teams.

Water Crossings: Yes.

Vegetation: Forested area. Trees: Oak species (Quercus pubescens, Q. robur, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris), Juniper species (Juniperus oxycedrus, J. foetidissima), Black pine (Pinus nigra), White willow (Salix alba), Goat willow (Salix caprea), Black poplar (Populus nigra), Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), Lime tree (Tilia). Shrubs and Herbaceous Plants: Cotoneaster, Firethorn (Pyracantha).

Animals: Mammals: Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), Lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens), Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Weasel (Mustela nivalis), Wildcat (Felis silvestris), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Brown bear (Ursus arctos). Amphibians: Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus). Reptiles: Snake-eyed lizard (Ablepharus kitaibeli), Grass snake (Natrix natrix), European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Birds: Stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus), European greenfinch (Carduelis chloris), European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Eurasian penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus), Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus), Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio).

Water Supply on the Trail: Available at the starting and endpoint of the trail.

Distance to Major Cities: Ankara – 185 km, Istanbul – 310 km.