Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, Nature park in Artvin province, Turkey
Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, also known as Borçka Karagöl Tabiat Parkı, is a protected nature park in the Artvin region of northeastern Turkey, built around a mountain lake enclosed by steep forested slopes. Wooden walkways run along the shore, and the lake is divided into two connected sections, with a larger body of water and a smaller one beside it.
The lake was formed in the 19th century when a landslide blocked the valley and trapped water behind it. The surrounding land was officially designated as a protected nature park in 2002 to preserve its native flora and fauna.
Many visitors come in autumn, when the trees around the lake turn red and gold, and the water reflects the changing colors. On weekends, local families gather to set up picnics on the grassy shores, giving the park a relaxed, communal feel.
The park is accessible from the town of Borçka in Artvin province, reached by narrow mountain roads that wind through forests and villages. The paths around the lake are manageable for most visitors, but mountain weather can change fast, so layered clothing is a good idea.
Hunting is banned inside the park, which has allowed the red-spotted trout, a native fish, to survive in the lake without much pressure. This makes the water unusually clear of disturbance, and on calm days the fish can sometimes be seen near the surface.
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