Do you ever feel the urge to escape the city's oppressive heat and endless noise, and throw yourself into icy waters and lush green history? If your answer is yes, we have a fantastic suggestion for you. Prepare your list of things to do in Maden Deresi this weekend, because we are inviting you to an adventure that will both cool you down and surprise you. This hidden paradise, tucked away between the Karasu and Kocaali districts of Sakarya, promises much more than your typical nature getaway. This isn't just a place to listen to the whispers of trees and waterfalls; it's a time capsule where you can hear the echoes of history in mining tunnels from 100 years ago.

A Cool Walk in Maden Deresi

The moment you step into Maden Deresi, the first thing that greets you is a pleasant coolness. Even on the hottest days of summer, this place is like a natural air conditioner. The secret to this coolness lies in the deep canyon valley that Maden Deresi has carved out of limestone rocks over thousands of years. The high and steep slopes prevent sunlight from reaching the valley floor, taking you on a peaceful journey under the shade of beech, hornbeam, chestnut, and plane trees, typical of the Black Sea region.   

Maden Deresi caters to all types of visitors. Whether you want to set up a chair by the stream for a picnic or embark on an adventurous hike, the choice is yours. We've compiled the most important details you need to know before you set out.  

You might see different information about the entrance fee online. This is because there are multiple private businesses at the valley entrance, each with its own pricing policy. It's wise to budget around 50-100 TL per vehicle.

Reach the waterfall and historic mining tunnels by walking the path along the stream

Are you ready for an adventure? Then let's give our most important warning: for this walk, you must have shoes or sandals with non-slip soles, preferably ones you can wear in and out of the water. Because part of the path to the waterfall is the stream itself! Be prepared to walk in ice-cold water that sometimes comes up to your ankles, and sometimes up to your waist.   

The path takes you through the forest, along the stream, and most excitingly, through history. About 120 years ago, during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, the Karasu Ottoman Mines Joint Stock Company, along with its French partners, extracted valuable minerals like lead, zinc, and gold from here. The tunnels carved into the mountains from that era are now part of the hiking trail. As you walk through these tunnels, left behind by miners who abandoned the area with the start of World War I, you can even see remnants of old railway tracks.   

The hiking trail of Maden Deresi has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The dark tunnels and risky paths, once dared only by bold adventurers with flashlights, have now been made safer and more accessible through the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality's Ecotourism project. The tunnels have been illuminated, and wooden walkways have been added at critical points. But this doesn't mean the adventure is over; the experience of walking in the icy waters of the stream and feeling the wild spirit of nature still awaits you. If you are interested in adventurous nature hiking trails like this one, you can also check out other guides on our site.

At the end of an approximately one-hour adventurous walk, the grand prize awaits you: the Maden Deresi Waterfall. The coolness and sound of the water falling from a height of about 10 meters will wash away all your fatigue. There's even a belief among the locals that its water is good for certain ailments.   

Eat fresh trout at the facilities by the stream

The best option to satisfy your hunger after such an enjoyable and tiring walk is to take a break at one of the authentic facilities with wooden tables set up by the stream. The pleasure of a meal accompanied by the murmur of the stream while breathing in the fresh forest air is priceless.   

The star of the region is definitely the fresh trout. You can order the trout, raised in the facilities' own pools, either as a casserole in a clay pot or fried in delicious butter. Although prices vary by facility, to give you an idea, you can budget around 400 TL for a trout casserole and 350 TL for grilled trout (Prices are from 2024 and may vary).   

There are also options for those who don't like fish. You can find alternatives like grilled meatballs or chicken skewers. If you want to start your day here, a rich spread breakfast or the Black Sea classic mıhlama are also on the menus. Antik Maden Deresi Alabalık, İngenç Alabalık Tesisleri, and Rümeysa Restaurant are just a few of the popular spots in the area.   

While You're Here...

If you want to extend your trip after completing your Maden Deresi adventure, there are other wonders waiting to be discovered nearby.

Acarlar Floodplain Forest (Longoz): Just 15 minutes from Maden Deresi, Turkey's largest single-piece floodplain forest awaits you. You can have a unique experience walking on the wooden platform over the water among water lilies and water violets. For another natural wonder of the region, you can check out our Acarlar Floodplain Forest travel guide on our site.

Karasu Beach: You can enjoy the Black Sea at Karasu Beach, known as one of the longest beaches in Europe. The Yenimahalle area, where the Sakarya River meets the sea, is particularly worth seeing with its fishing boats and lively atmosphere.   

Poyrazlar Lake: Located closer to the center of Sakarya, Poyrazlar Lake is a great alternative, especially for those who want to have a picnic and spend a quiet day by the lake.   

Bibliography: Efforts to bring natural beauties like Maden Deresi into tourism while preserving them are part of the rising ecotourism trend in recent years in Turkey. To learn more about this topic and to examine Turkey's ecotourism potential, you can review the report below.

West Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA). (2020). Ecotourism Sector Report. Retrieved from: https://baka.gov.tr/assets/upload/dosyalar/ekoturizm-sektor-raporu.pdf   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entrance fee for Maden Deresi, and how much is it? Yes, there is generally an entrance fee for Maden Deresi. Since there are different private businesses at the valley entrance, the fees may vary. A fee of between 50 TL and 100 TL is usually charged per vehicle. Pedestrian entrance may be cheaper.   

Is the waterfall hike in Maden Deresi difficult? Is it suitable for children? The main trail to the waterfall is of medium-to-hard difficulty, especially the parts that involve walking through the stream, and it includes slippery surfaces. Therefore, it can be challenging for young children or those without hiking experience. However, the picnic areas and facilities by the stream are very suitable for families, and you can have a pleasant time without participating in the adventurous hike.   

What is the best season to visit Maden Deresi? The ideal time to visit Maden Deresi is during the hot summer months. The cooling effect of the canyon is most felt during this period, and the coldness of the stream water offers wonderful refreshment in the sweltering heat. Late spring is also a pleasant time when nature comes alive.