Karanlık Canyon, Canyon in Kemaliye, Turkey
Karanlık Canyon is a natural rock canyon near Kemaliye, in eastern Turkey. The trail runs through narrow rock passages along a stream, and in some sections the walls close in so tightly that very little daylight reaches the ground.
For centuries, the canyon served as a natural passage through the mountains for people living in the surrounding villages. When modern roads were built in the region, it lost its role as a main route but continued to be used as a walking path.
The canyon has long served as a passage connecting villages in the area, and locals still use the trail on foot. The narrow rock walls create a shifting play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day.
The path through the canyon requires sturdy footwear, as the ground can be wet and uneven in places. Bringing a small flashlight is a good idea, since some sections are very dark even during the day.
The name Karanlık simply means "dark" in Turkish, a direct reference to the spots inside where sunlight never reaches. On some days, water drips steadily from the rock walls and runs across the path in thin streams.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
