Sarıçalı Mountain

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

General Features: Sançalı Mountain, with its height of 1750 m, is the highest point in Nallıhan. The mountain’s steep geomorphological structure, geological formations, old forests, numerous monumental trees, and Uyuzsuyu Waterfall are all fascinating points of interest. The 1071-year-old monument tree, Karaçam, can be found along this trail. The area where the waterfall is located has been designated as a natural park. The trail showcases two different rock formations, with Sançalı Mountain primarily composed of limestone in white cream, gray, and pinkish hues.

Hiking Distance: 9,5 Km

Hiking Duration: 7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult.

Recommended Season: Spring, summer, and autumn. Winter hiking is only suitable for professional teams.

Water Crossings: None.

Vegetation: Forested area. Tree species include various types of oak (Quercus pubescens, Q. macrantera, Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q. infectoria, Q. cerris), juniper species (Juniperus oxycedrus, J. foetidissima), black pine (Pinus nigra), hazelnut (Corylus), and maple (Acer). Shrub and Herbaceous Plants: Common juniper (Juniperus communis), rock peony (Paeonia peregrina), dog rose (Rosa canina), buckthorn (Rhamnus), milkvetch (Astragalus), prickly thrift (Acantholimon), Onobrychis, erodium, tulip (Tulipa), male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), Nallıhan star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), lemon balm (Melissa), saxifrage (Saxifraga), stonecrop (Sedum), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum), and orchids (Orchis).

Animals: Mammals: European hare (Lepus europaeus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), European souslik (Spermophilus xanthophrys), beech marten (Martes foina), brown bear (Ursus arctos). Reptiles: Ophisops elegans, Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca). Birds: Common raven (Corvus corax), Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus), ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana).

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

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