Tunca Valley Nature Park, Nature park in Rize, Turkey
Tunca Valley Nature Park is a nature park on the border between Rize and Artvin provinces in northeastern Turkey, covering around 4,100 hectares of forested valley. The terrain rises from roughly 4,400 feet (1,350 m) at its lowest point to over 10,700 feet (3,280 m) at its highest, with forests of alder, spruce, chestnut, and beech trees, crossed by small streams and open meadows.
The park was officially designated in July 2013 by Turkey's Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs to protect the valley's natural environment. Before that, the land had been used by local communities for fishing and farming for generations.
Locals use the park mostly in the early morning and late afternoon, gathering at grassy areas for picnics and family outings. The park has a role in school trips too, where children come to observe native plants and birds in their natural setting.
The park sits in a remote area and the access roads are narrow and winding, so a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Visitors should bring enough water, food, and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
The park straddles the border between two provinces, so a hiker can pass from one into the other without noticing. In spring, rhododendrons in pink and purple cover the slopes, while in autumn the same hillsides turn to red and yellow.
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