Giresun is good for walking: steep topography, forest, plenty of water. But there is a serious difference in difficulty between the trails, and some cannot be done unprepared. I have divided them into three categories.
Easy · anyone can do it
Around Mavigöl · Dereli
Wooden platforms and flat walking paths. Largely possible even with a pushchair. 1 hour.
Yedi Değirmenli · Espiye
Long but flat. Waterfalls, mills and a cave together. There is a children's playground and toilets. 2-3 hours.
Göksu Travertines
Walking over the pools. The distance is short but the ground is slippery; move slowly. 1-2 hours.
Medium · needs a little fitness
Kulakkaya forest paths
Giresun's most suitable highland for walking. There are paths of different lengths through the spruce forest; you can make a short or long loop to suit yourself.
- Constant shade, cool even in summer
- The ground is damp and slippery, sturdy shoes are essential
- When the mist descends it is hard to find your way, so do not wander far
Kuzalan Nature Park
A stepped descent and viewing terraces. Short but steep. 1-2 hours.
Highland ridges
Walking on the meadow ridges around Kümbet, Bektaş and Sisdağı. The path is not clear; GPS and a check on the weather are needed.
Hard · needs experience
Bedrama Castle · Tirebolu
Note: The path begins where the vehicle road ends; there is a short but steep climb. After rain the rocks and moss become slippery; choose a dry day. Long sleeves and sturdy boots are needed, as the path is thick with thorny plants. Not recommended with small children.
Karagöl · 3,107 m
This is not a day trip. It requires a full day, proper equipment and a check on the weather. Because of the altitude the weather changes suddenly, the mist descends, the phone gets no signal. If you are inexperienced, go with a guide; do not set out alone.
Comparison
| Trail | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mavigöl | Easy | 1 hour |
| Göksu Travertines | Easy | 1-2 hours |
| Yedi Değirmenli | Easy-medium | 2-3 hours |
| Kuzalan | Medium | 1-2 hours |
| Kulakkaya forest | Medium | 2-4 hours |
| Bedrama Castle | Hard | 2 hours |
| Karagöl | Hard | Full day |
Equipment
- Ankle boots — slippery, stony ground
- Waterproof outer layer — Giresun gets a lot of rain
- Layered clothing — the temperature drops as the elevation rises
- Offline map — the phone gets no signal at many points
- Power bank — GPS drains the battery fast
- Water and food — there is no supply on the way
Safety
- Set out early; the mist descends in the afternoon.
- Tell someone where you are going and your return time.
- Do not move in mist; if visibility closes, wait.
- Do not go down into the streambed; the flow can rise suddenly with rain.
- Do not walk alone, especially on the hard trails.
On the map
On the map each stop carries its difficulty and duration; match a trail to your level.
Open the guide