Hatila Valley National Park

Hatila Valley Overview

Hatila Valley National Park, known locally as Hatila Vadisi Millî Parkı, is a stunning natural reserve located in northeastern Turkey, within Artvin Province. The park covers approximately 52 square miles, or about 135 square kilometers, and lies near the eastern Black Sea region, where lush forests meet steep mountain valleys.

Carved by the Hatila River, a tributary of the Çoruh River, the park is a dramatic showcase of deep canyons, rugged cliffs, and narrow gorges. The terrain is defined by a network of steep slopes and ridges, with elevations ranging from 300 meters to over 3,000 meters above sea level.

These changes in altitude create a highly diverse landscape, where verdant riverbanks give way to alpine meadows and forested mountains. The geology of the park features a mix of volcanic rocks, schists, and granites, contributing to the unique topography and the formation of natural rock terraces and cliffs that frame the valley.

Vegetation in Hatila Valley National Park is exceptionally rich and varied due to its microclimates and elevation gradients. The lower elevations are home to dense deciduous forests composed of chestnut, hornbeam, and alder, while higher altitudes are dominated by spruce, fir, and pine.

The steep valley walls and ridges harbor many endemic plant species, and during the spring and summer months, wildflowers add bursts of color throughout the park. In some areas, Mediterranean shrubs and alpine flora coexist, a rare ecological overlap that enhances the park’s botanical significance.

The wildlife in Hatila Valley is just as diverse and intriguing. The park serves as a vital refuge for many mammals, including wild boar, brown bear, roe deer, red fox, and wolves. Lynxes have been reported in the more remote zones, and small mammals such as martens and hares are commonly spotted.

The area also supports an impressive array of birdlife, particularly raptors and forest species. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and common buzzards circle the sky, while woodpeckers, jays, and songbirds occupy the forest canopy. The combination of mountain, river, and woodland ecosystems provides excellent birdwatching opportunities year-round.

Popular features of the park include its sweeping vistas, hiking trails, and natural observation points that provide breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

The Hatila River, winding through the heart of the park, adds both aesthetic and ecological value, with its clear waters, waterfalls, and small pools attracting visitors and wildlife alike. The park also contains several scenic plateaus, such as Mersivan and Sakalpar, which are ideal spots for nature walks and picnics.

Visitors engage with Hatila Valley National Park through hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, and guided tours. The park’s proximity to the city of Artvin makes it relatively accessible while still offering the feeling of deep wilderness. Well-marked trails and designated viewing platforms enhance the visitor experience without heavily impacting the environment.

Conservation in Hatila Valley National Park has been effective in preserving its ecosystems, largely due to its protected status since 1994. Challenges such as deforestation, illegal hunting, and infrastructure development remain concerns, but increased public awareness and responsible tourism practices have helped mitigate these threats.

Continued protection and careful management are vital to maintaining the park’s biodiversity and natural beauty.

Park Map

Hatila Valley National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Hatila Valley National Park also boasts exceptional bird diversity due to its steep cliffs, rich woodlands, and varied altitudes—making it a hotspot for forest and mountain bird species.

Golden Eagle
Seen soaring above ridges and cliffs, the golden eagle hunts rabbits, rodents, and sometimes young deer. It nests on high ledges and is one of the park’s most majestic sights.

Peregrine Falcon
Nesting on vertical cliffs, the peregrine falcon is known for its swift aerial dives to catch birds mid-flight. It is sleek, powerful, and commonly seen in open areas near the valley walls.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
This large, nocturnal owl roosts in caves and forested cliffs. Its deep hoots can be heard after dark, and it preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Wallcreeper
With vivid red wings and agile movements, the wallcreeper flutters along vertical rock faces, foraging for insects in crevices. It’s a striking sight against grey cliff walls.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker is found in old forests of the park. It drills into trees for beetles and grubs and has a powerful, echoing call.

White-throated Dipper
This aquatic bird is often seen in and around the Hatila River. It dives underwater to catch insects and is known for its bobbing behavior on rocks and logs.

Caucasian Snowcock
A rare high-altitude game bird, the snowcock is found in alpine zones of the park. It is well-camouflaged against rocks and grasses and lets out a loud, whistling call.

Common Raven
Often flying high above the valley, the raven is intelligent and opportunistic. It forages for carrion, insects, and fruit, and is known for its complex vocalizations.

Short-toed Snake Eagle
This snake-eating raptor glides over open rocky areas in search of reptiles. It hovers and dives with precision and is often seen circling in the midday thermals.

Booted Eagle
A smaller raptor found in Hatila’s mixed woodlands and hills, the booted eagle hunts small birds and mammals. It has a characteristic flutter-glide flight pattern.

Hatila Valley National Park is a treasure trove of northeastern Anatolia’s wildlife, combining rugged terrain, rich forest habitats, and pristine river valleys to support a wide variety of animal and bird species.

Hatila Valley National Park, located in Turkey’s northeastern Artvin Province, is a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, deep gorges, and thickly forested slopes. The park is part of the biodiverse Kaçkar Mountains and supports a variety of mountain-adapted mammals and reptiles that thrive in its humid, forested, and rocky environments.

Brown Bear
One of the park’s most iconic mammals, the brown bear inhabits the dense forests and remote valleys. It is an omnivore that forages for berries, roots, insects, and occasionally small animals.

Grey Wolf
This elusive predator moves through the forested ridges and alpine meadows in search of deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals. Though rarely seen, its presence is vital for ecosystem balance.

Wild Boar
Common in Hatila’s forests, wild boars use their strong snouts to root through soil for food. They are highly adaptable and often travel in groups, especially females with young.

Red Fox
Widespread throughout the park, the red fox is intelligent and agile, preying on small mammals and insects while also scavenging for fruit and carrion.

European Wildcat
This shy and solitary feline roams the forest undergrowth and rocky slopes. It is mostly nocturnal and hunts small birds, rodents, and reptiles.

European Pine Marten
This tree-dwelling carnivore is active at night and dusk. With its slender body and bushy tail, it climbs with ease and hunts squirrels, birds, and insects.

Hedgehog (Eastern European Hedgehog)
Active at night and commonly found near forest edges, this small insectivore uses its spines as protection and feeds on worms, insects, and snails.

Caucasian Squirrel
Adapted to the coniferous forests of northeastern Turkey, this species is agile and fast, foraging for nuts, seeds, and fruits and storing food for the colder months.

Roe Deer
Graceful and alert, roe deer inhabit forest clearings and alpine pastures. They feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots, and are most active during twilight hours.

Caucasian Viper
This venomous snake is native to rocky slopes and forest edges. It is shy and avoids confrontation, feeding on small mammals and amphibians in the undergrowth.