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Nature reserve
Artvin
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
Family
NatureHatila Valley National Park lies just 7-10 kilometres from the centre of Artvin, spread across a steep-walled, V-shaped canyon that the Hatila Stream has carved over millions of years before joining the Çoruh River.
Geography & Geology
Declared a national park on 31 August 1994, the protected area covers roughly 16,988 hectares and rises from about 170 metres to 3,224 metres in elevation, a dramatic vertical range that makes it one of Turkey's richest biodiversity hotspots. The valley floor is flanked by cliffs reaching gradients of 80-100 percent, with waterfalls born of lithological contrasts and scientifically notable basalt columns.
Flora, Fauna & Glass Terrace
Botanists have recorded 1,349 plant species here, 125 of them endemic; although the park sits within the Black Sea region, its lower slopes shelter red pine and Mediterranean relict flora while its upper reaches carry fir and spruce forest, producing a rare vegetation transition rarely seen in a single valley. Wildlife is equally abundant, including brown bear, wild goat, fox, marten, badger and jackal, alongside hawks, eagles and partridges, with trout in its streams. The park's signature attraction is a glass viewing terrace built onto a sheer rock face in 2015, celebrated as one of the highest glass skywalks in Turkey and offering a vertiginous panorama suspended above the gorge.
Visiting & Route
Agencies favour Hatila because its proximity to the city lets it be combined in a single day with central Artvin stops such as the Zeytinlik quarter and Livane (Artvin) Castle, keeping transport costs low while delivering an accessible nature experience for every age group. A typical visit runs 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the terrace and short valley loop, extending to half a day for ecotourism and trekking groups. In guided programmes the park is usually placed as the nature leg of the central Artvin tour, timed for late-morning or afternoon light. Nearby highlights include the Deriner Dam viewpoint, Kafkasör plateau, the Zeytinlik quarter and the Çoruh Valley. The best photo spots are the glass terrace, the roadside bends overlooking the gorge and the streamside campground.
Best Time & Access
Late spring through autumn is ideal, especially the vivid colours of September and October, while summer is the peak season. In winter the upper sections can lie under snow and road conditions vary, so travellers should confirm the current access status before setting out.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereAbout 7-10 km from central Artvin via the paved/stabilised road branching toward Hatila village; about 20-30 minutes by private car or tour bus. As public transport is limited, a tour vehicle or rental car is recommended.
- ParkingParking areas for cars and tour buses are available around the national park entrance and the viewing terrace; additional parking is available at the streamside camp/picnic area.
- Coach accessTour buses can reach the lower sections near the centre and the viewing terrace car park; manoeuvring space for large buses is limited on the narrow, sloped sections inside the valley, and road conditions vary by season.
- AccessibilityThe viewing terrace and entrance area are partly accessible, but wheelchair access is limited elsewhere as the valley's inner paths are steep and uneven; the terrace and viewpoints are suitable for visitors with reduced mobility.
- Photo spotsThe glass viewing terrace at 220 metres height (one of Turkey's highest glass terraces); the roadside bends overlooking the valley; the basalt columns and waterfalls; the streamside camp/picnic area and the autumn colour transitions.
- Suggested routeThe nature leg of the central Artvin tour: combined the same day with the Zeytinlik quarter, Livane Castle and Kafkasör; the glass viewing terrace and short valley loop are placed in late-morning or afternoon light.
Tours that include this place