Çimenli (Yıldırım) Canyon, Balahor Stream Natural Pools and Trekking Track

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Çimenli Canyon (known as Yılanlı Canyon among the local people) is a natural wonder valley cleft formed by the Balahor Stream carving limestone and basalt rocks over millions of years, within the borders of Çimenli Village of Kelkit district. The name of the canyon as 'Yıldırım' comes from the fact that the stream bed follows a serpentine route between steep cliffs and the rich amphibian wildlife on the canyon floor. According to local legend, in ancient times, it was believed that a huge snake living in this steep canyon was waiting for the valley, guiding the travelers who did not harm the stream and respecting nature and allowed them to drink the cool water of the springs. Natural giant cauldrons, cascading mini waterfalls and steep rock walls along the canyon have become one of the most popular canyoning and mountaineering routes in the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia in recent years. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features The canyon lies at an altitude of approximately 1,480 - 1,600 meters above sea level. The height of the canyon walls reaches 80-120 meters in places, and in some gorges the canyon width narrows to 2-3 meters. Balahor Creek at the bottom of the canyon flows with ice-cold clear spring water and forms natural stone pools and small waterfalls. Wild juniper, rosehip, mountain poplar, astragalus and rich mountain steppe vegetation dominate around the canyon. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees