Head west from Akçakoca towards Kocaali and Karasu. First stop at Melenağzı, where the Melen River flows into the Black Sea. Then turn inland and walk up the streambed of Maden Stream for about an hour to the waterfall. On the way back, go down to the coast for a short stop at Lake Küçükboğaz and end the day on the wooden boardwalk of Acarlar Longoz. If you skip the Maden Stream walk, the route takes half a day.
Open the whole route in Google Maps
Stops
- 1
Melen River
A 110 km river forming the border between Düzce and Sakarya; its mouth is in Akçakoca.
~18.6 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 2
Maden Stream Waterfall (Karasu)
A waterfall in the forest, reached on foot along the streambed and past mine tunnels from the late Ottoman period.
~9.8 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 3
Lake Küçükboğaz (Karasu)
A small lake ringed with reeds near the coast between Karasu and Kocaali; for a quiet break and angling.
~21.5 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 4
Acarlar Longoz (Karasu)
Turkey's largest continuous longoz (floodplain) forest: a lake, water lilies, a wooden boardwalk and migratory birds.
Tips for the route
- The longoz entrance fee and boat tours vary by season; call Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality (153) to find out.
- For Maden Stream, bring waterproof shoes and a change of clothes; the stream can dry up in dry summers, and don't enter the streambed after a downpour.
- The water lilies bloom in summer; early morning is best for birdwatching.
- The current is strong where the Melen River meets the sea; don't swim there.
- There are mosquitoes in the wetlands in summer; bring repellent.