Saklıkent National Park, often referred to as Saklıkent Canyon, is a stunning natural feature located in the Seydikemer district of Muğla, Turkey. Formed by the Eşen Stream’s Karaçay tributary, the canyon is a prime example of the amazing force of geomorphological actions. Deep and steep cliffs molded into calcareous soil demonstrate the force of water and fault lines in shaping the terrain. Rising to a height of 200 meters and spanning 18 kilometers, Saklıkent Canyon offers a breathtaking perspective of natural beauty that draws both visitors and environmentalists.

At its tightest point, the thin, twisting fissure that forms the canyon narrows to only two meters. The strong, quick currents of the Karaçay define the canyon floor and make any attempt to cross the base impossible. A breathtaking 200-meter wooden bridge across the steep slopes allows visitors to safely enter the grand canyon. Beyond the bridge, the canyon reveals more wonders including cold, strong karst springs that accentuate the beauty and appeal of the surroundings.

Comprising an amazing 12,390 hectares, Saklıkent National Park features areas of three villages situated in the districts of Kaş and Seydikemer. Founded in 1996, the park is protected under Turkish law to preserve its unique geological features and great variety of species. Visitors of the park can savor the amazing views of the canyon together with the variety of plant and animal life that calls the park home inside. Saklıkent’s natural surroundings abound in a variety of plant species, each unique in their temperature requirements. Maquis vegetation thrives at the lower altitudes; on the park’s higher elevations, red pines, black pines, and amazing cedar trees define it. Often massive in scale, the cedar trees on the mountains of Dumanlıdağ create an amazing visual show.

Nature lovers find solace in the canyon and its surrounds, which also have a varied range of indigenous species. Among these are species like the cyclamen, which thrives in the southeast Aktar Plateau. The varied ecosystem of the park makes it a significant location for everyone ready to interact with nature in its most natural form as well as for botanists.

Attracting both local and foreign visitors equally, Saklıkent National Park has great historical and natural value. With around 180,000 visitors annually, the park offers a varied spectrum of leisure pursuits. Summertime Fethiye people swarm the region for picnics, savoring the cool canyon shadow and the rejuvenating atmosphere generated by the surrounding natural beauty. Adventurers ready to trek the walking pathways across the canyon find attraction in the park. Although the water-filled portions of the canyon are off-limits, there are pedestrian walkways at some places and suspension bridges fixed to the canyon walls provide access to otherwise difficult parts. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will find this location to provide special qualities that provide an amazing experience.

Saklıkent offers hiking combined with chances for winter sports. An other attraction of the national park is the Saklıkent Ski Resort on Bakırlıdağ in the Taurus Mountains. Offering a skiing experience against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains, the resort runs two to three months yearly. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Saklıkent National Park provides a special mix of summer and winter sports, therefore making it the perfect year-round destination.

The park’s appeal is boosted by its accessibility. Just half-distance from Antalya, the park is easily reachable from several points in the surrounding districts. Minibuses run regularly between Fethiye and Saklıkent to make sure the park is easily approachable for guests. From the south via the Palamut area at the Yeşilova-Kalkan intersection or from the north via Burdur, visitors can easily reach the park. The proximity to these important paths guarantees Saklıkent’s accessibility for both local guests and foreign visitors ready to discover the wonders of this natural beauty.

Discovered in the 1980s, Saklıkent Canyon has a quite modern past. Local tradition holds that a shepherd initially came into the canyon chasing his escaped goat into the gorge. The finding piqued curiosity among the surrounding towns, which prompted the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to name the region a national park to ensure its protection. The canyon has been converted into the park we know today thanks to the support of private businesses, therefore allowing people to enjoy its grandeur while preserving its unique geological and environmental qualities.