Aladağlar National Park is truly an open-air geomorphological museum. One of the region’s most defining geomorphological features is its deeply incised valleys. The area exhibits many traces of glacial morphology, particularly numerous cirque lakes, which are typical formations of this landscape.
The park has its own unique climatic conditions. Summers are hot, while winters are cold and snowy. This climate enables the presence of permanent snow at higher elevations. The difference between day and night temperatures is quite significant — while lakes freeze overnight, daytime temperatures can rise up to 30°C.
Aladağlar National Park is also rich in vegetation. The dominant forest species are black pine (Pinus nigra) and red pine (Pinus brutia). Above the forest line lies the alpine zone, covered in meadows. At even higher elevations, the terrain gives way to barren rocky areas due to slope and altitude.
The park’s fauna is diverse and includes endangered species such as wild goats, bears, lynxes, martens, otters, and birds of prey.
Inside the park, there are campgrounds, day-use areas, hiking trails, and climbing routes. A designated Wildlife Protection Zone has been established within the park, along with a breeding station.
Located within the boundaries of Karataş district, the Yumurtalık Nature Conservation Area spans 16,430 hectares. It is accessible via the Karataş–Adana and Yumurtalık–Adana roads. The area is 35 km from Karataş and 30 km from Yumurtalık town centers.
The region forms a complex natural landscape with the Seyhan-Ceyhan river delta, coastal lagoons, sand dunes, diverse flora and fauna, as well as historical and cultural assets. It lies along major bird migration routes and hosts large bird populations in winter. In fact, it serves as a vital wintering ground for waterfowl, especially when the lakes in Central Anatolia freeze over.
Two important lagoons — Akyatan and Ağyatan — are located within the conservation area. These are among Turkey’s 19 “Class A” wetlands in terms of bird species richness. Moreover, the area is critical for the survival of two endangered sea turtle species: the Caretta caretta and particularly the Chelonia mydas in the Mediterranean. The Yumurtalık Lagoon is also one of the rare habitats in Turkey where the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) grows naturally.
Tuzla Wildlife Development Area (YHG)
Akyatan YHG
Kozan Çandık YHG
Seyhan Dam Lake YHG
Körkün Eğlence YHG
Pos Çatalan YHG
Anavarza Cliffs YHG
Kozan Dam Lake YHG
Tufanbeyli Kürebeli YHG
Karanfil Mountain YHG
Note: “YHG” stands for Wildlife Development Area.
Dağılcak Forest Recreation Area, located 10 km from Kozan and 90 km from Adana, covers 10 hectares.
In Karaisalı, 11 km from the town center and 56 km from Adana, there is a natural sinkhole where the Çakıt Stream disappears underground for 300 meters and re-emerges — this area features a bridge and scenic views.
Sarıçam Forests, just 20 km from Adana, offer a peaceful escape.
Eğner Village, 70 km away, is home to the stunning Simit Waterfall, one of the region’s hidden gems.
In Pozantı district, Belemedik and surrounding areas offer several picnic and rest spots.
Within Adana city itself, the surroundings of Seyhan Dam Lake, both banks of the Seyhan River, and the Çatalan Dam Lake are organized for public recreation and leisure.
