History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Sorkun Waterfalls Natural Monument is one of the hidden canyon paradises of the Black Sea, which was included among the registered Natural Monuments of Türkiye by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2017. There are 15 different waterfall steps, large and small, in the approximately 2.3 kilometer steep canyon valley that deepens along the Sorkun Creek. Natural giant cauldrons of turquoise and emerald green, formed on the rock bottoms where the waterfalls flow, give visitors the feeling of a fairy-tale nature aquarium. According to local narratives, it is known that the cool water of the valley is fed by karst springs in the mountains and that it is a corner of paradise where local hunters and nature lovers have taken refuge with admiration for centuries. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The canyon valley, which extends at an altitude of approximately 340-480 meters, is covered with dense beech, hornbeam, oak, ash and larch forests. The rich moss and fern cover on the canyon walls creates a microclimatic moist forest ecosystem. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Free. The natural monument is open to the public.•Visiting Hours and Days:It can be visited 7 days a week during daylight hours (08:30 - 19:00); The months with the richest flow are spring and early summer.•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: Since there are slippery stones and natural paths on the hiking trail inside the canyon, hiking shoes with non-slip soles are a must. The track inside the canyon is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.•Facilities and Facilities:Since it is a natural protected area, there are no commercial enterprises; Within the scope of landscaping, directional signs and pathway signs are included. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Sorkun Village Mevkii, Sorkun Creek Valley, Gerze / Sinop.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 15 km from Gerze town centre. There is an asphalt road up to Sorkun village, and the last 2 km from the village to the canyon is a stabilized forest road; It can be driven carefully by passenger vehicles.•Real Public Transportation Information: Sorkun village minibuses depart from Gerze center; It is recommended to hire a private vehicle or taxi for a nature trip.•Parking Availability:There is a dirt parking lot for 20 vehicles in the forest clearing at the beginning of the trail. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots:The long-exposure water photographs taken from across the giant cauldron from which the main waterfall of the canyon flows and the details of the green ivy wrapped around the rocks are extraordinary.•Hiking Suggestion:It is useful for valley hikers who follow 15 waterfalls throughout the canyon to have spare socks and waterproof shoes with them.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After the nature walk, you should return to Gerze and eat Gerze nokul with walnuts and crispy pita from historical bakeries.