Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Giresun

Giresun Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Where to walk in Giresun — from easy half-days to serious treks, with honest difficulty grades.

By Updated

The short answer: start with Kümbet Plateau Loop Trail, Gelevera Canyon Trek and Batlama Valley Walk. This guide profiles 8+ hiking trails in Giresun, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Giresun is a Black Sea coastal city in northeastern Turkey, famous as the legendary homeland of the Amazons and the origin of the hazelnut known to the world as 'giresun fındığı'. Perched on a hillside above the sea, the city blends Byzantine and Ottoman history with lush green mountains and a thriving hazelnut-farming culture. The ancient Giresun Island — the only island on the entire Turkish Black Sea coast — lies just offshore and shelters the ruins of a Byzantine monastery.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Kümbet Plateau Loop Trail

    8 km loop3–4 hoursStart: 1,750 m; max: 2,020 m; gain: ~270 m

  2. 2

    Gelevera Canyon Trek

    10–14 km (out-and-back options)4–6 hoursStart: ~650 m; canyon floor; gain: ~400 m

  3. 3

    Batlama Valley Walk

    5 km (one-way riverside path)1.5–2.5 hours one-wayMinimal gain; mostly flat riverside path

  4. 4

    Giresun Castle Hill Walk

    1.5 km round trip30–60 minutesGain ~80 m from city center

  5. 5

    Kuzalan Waterfall Path

    3 km round trip1.5–2 hoursGain ~150 m to waterfall viewpoint

  6. 6

    Aksu Valley Forest Trail

    12 km (various loops)4–5 hoursGain ~300 m; dense forest terrain

  7. 7

    Giresun–Zeytinlik Woodland Walk

    3 km loop1–1.5 hoursGain ~60 m; gentle woodland path

  8. 8

    Dereli–Kümbet High Mountain Path

    14 km one-way5–7 hoursStart: 950 m; end: 1,800 m; gain: ~850 m

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Giresun.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

Medium

Hazard: Sudden weather changes at altitude — the Black Sea coast can cloud over rapidly

Medium

Hazard: Mountain roads to trailheads can be narrow and slippery after rain

Medium

Hazard: No organized rescue service — inform someone of plans before any high-altitude hike

Medium

Hazard: Bear and wolf populations exist in forested areas inland — make noise while hiking

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