History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Gökçeli Plateau, which lies between the border mountains of Göynücek and Çorum, is an ancient plateau center where local Turkmens have grazed their flocks in the summer months and rested in its cool waters for centuries. The plateau, which takes its name from the great pine trees that rise as if they are touching the sky and the vast blue, bears the traces of the traditional nomadic Yoruk-Turkmen culture. According to local legend, the lush spring at the foot of the centuries-old juniper tree on the highest hill of the plateau gushed out with rain prayers during the drought years and never dried out in the summer heat; For this reason, it is referred to as the spring of abundance by the villagers. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located in the western mountain range of Göynücek district. Its altitude above sea level is 1,280 meters. The plateau is covered with dense Scots pine, larch and wild oak forests; It is adorned with mountain thyme, yavsan herb and colorful wildflowers. It has a dry and refreshing plateau microclimate with plenty of oxygen brought by the transition zone between Central Anatolia and the Black Sea. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the plateau area is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year; The plateau season is between May and October and is the most productive time to visit.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Uncontrolled fires should not be lit on the ground against the risk of forest fire; Garbage should definitely be taken back. The dirt roads within the plateau are suitable for strollers in dry weather.•Facilities and Amenities:There are natural spring water fountains, open meadows and tent camping areas; There are no commercial facilities. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gökçeli Yaylası Mevkii, 05600 Göynücek / Amasya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 16 km away from Göynücek centre. The first 10 km of the road is asphalt, the remaining part is a stabilized plateau road; In the summer months, passenger vehicles can be driven slowly and carefully; in winter, a 4x4 vehicle is required.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): There is no direct public transportation to the plateau; You can come to Gökçeli Village from Göynücek center with village shuttles and go out by private vehicle or by hiking.•Parking Availability:Unlimited open parking spaces are available on the plateau plains. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Sun rays filtering through the pine trees in the early morning hours and flocks of sheep and lambs grazing on the plateau plain offer idyllic shots.•Camping & Stargazing:Thanks to near-zero light pollution, it is a perfect spot for Milky Way galaxy and star exposure photography on summer nights.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Wood tea brewed in plateau water, Göynücek plateau tulum cheese and buttered flatbread must be experienced.