Uçansu Waterfall is a natural formation located in a forest-covered valley in Antalya's Serik district, consisting of two waterfalls 62 and 78 meters high; known for its pools offering swimming opportunities.
Uçansu Waterfall is located in the Gebiz region of Serik district, approximately 58-80 kilometers from Antalya city center. Situated on the border between Kayabükü and Eskibağ villages, the waterfall is hidden within a valley surrounded by pine and cedar forests, accessible from the Antalya-Serik-Alanya highway. There are two separate waterfalls in the region: Uçansu 1 Waterfall, the first one encountered when starting the hike from Kozan Village, is 62 meters high, and Uçansu 2 Waterfall, reached about 1 km further, is 78 meters high, making it one of the most magnificent natural structures in the region.
Natural pools form at the points where the waterfalls cascade; swimming in these pools is the most preferred activity for visitors, especially in summer. The water, frothing down through the rocks, remains extremely cold even in the summer heat. The hiking trail between Kozan Village and Akçapınar Village is a total of 6-7 km long and is of moderate difficulty. It is also possible to drive close to the waterfall; those who do not wish to hike can easily visit the area.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Antalya, Natural Beauties, Antalya natural beauties, Lower Düden Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Uçansu Waterfall stands out as a natural spot that has largely preserved its natural structure, free from facilities and urbanization. Most visitors express satisfaction with the wildflowers and clean air they encounter on the hiking trail leading to the waterfall. Its cool climate, even in summer, makes the region particularly attractive during warm seasons.
To reach the waterfall, you need to follow a stabilized road from the village center, then take a 15-20 minute walk. There are no facilities, toilets, or seating areas in the region; swimming is also not available. In the village center, however, there are businesses like guesthouses and markets where you can meet your basic needs. Additionally, there are visitor warnings that some images belong to a different waterfall; it is recommended to clarify which waterfall you want to visit before going.
However, there are some recurring points of caution in the comments:
- Challenging road conditions: There is a stony and slippery secondary road for about 8 km; it is not recommended to go with scooters or similar vehicles, and careful driving is required with standard vehicles.
- Insufficient navigation and signs: Internet connection is weak in the mountainous area, and signs are not sufficient for some visitors; it is advisable to research the route beforehand.
- King's Pool is a separate route: The waterfall and King's Pool are at different locations; plan this in advance if you want to see both.
- No facilities: There are no toilets, cafes, or seating areas around the waterfall; you need to meet your needs in the village.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Uçansu Waterfall is between April and June. With winter rains and melting snow, the water flow reaches its peak; the waterfalls flow at their full power, and the scenery becomes much more impressive. This period is perfect for those who want to take photographs.
If swimming is your priority, the months of July-September are more suitable; however, the waterfall waters remain cold throughout the year, so be prepared before entering the water. In October and November, visitor density decreases, and the weather cools; it is a comfortable period for hiking. In winter months, dirt roads can become muddy, and some sections may be difficult to reach by car.
How to Get There?
The most practical way to reach Uçansu Waterfall is by private car. From Antalya city center, continue towards Alanya via Serik district; turn off at the Kozan Village sign in the Gebiz region and head towards the waterfall. The distance from the city center varies between 58-80 km depending on the source; this difference arises from which waterfall is being referred to (the lower waterfall on the Serik side or the upper waterfall near the Southeast).
Daily nature tours organized from Antalya are also a common way to reach the waterfall; tour companies usually offer hiking guides and transportation services together. Since public transportation is quite limited, renting a car or opting for a tour is recommended.
Hiking Route and Trail
The classic route starts from Kozan Village. Approximately 1 km after starting the hike, you reach the 62-meter-high Uçansu 1 Waterfall. Continuing from there, the 78-meter-high Uçansu 2 Waterfall appears in the middle of the total 6-7 km trail. The trail extends between Kozan Village and Akçapınar Village and is of moderate difficulty.
For those who do not wish to walk, it is possible to drive quite close to the waterfall; the road is suitable for all types of vehicles. Nevertheless, comfortable hiking shoes and plenty of water are almost essential, especially in summer. Since there are distinct shaded areas on the trail, hiking can be done even in hot weather.
Photography Spots
Uçansu Waterfall offers multiple shooting points for photography enthusiasts. The 78-meter Uçansu 2 Waterfall provides the most dramatic shot with its mass of water cascading through the rocks; especially in the early morning, the play of mist and light creates a magnificent atmosphere. The natural pool at the base of the waterfall is also very suitable for reflection photos.
The path through the pine and cedar forests along the hiking trail provides a beautiful backdrop for forest photos taken with long exposure techniques. During April-May, when the water flow is high, the waterfall flows much more powerfully; photos taken during this period are more impressive. Bring a wide-angle lens or an action camera with you.
Food and Drink
Small-scale breakfast facilities or village restaurants may be found around the waterfall and in nearby villages; however, the existence and capacity of these facilities vary by season and year. When planning your visit, taking sufficient food and drink with you will be the healthiest approach.
Various restaurants are available in the Gebiz and Serik district centers; you can complete your waterfall visit with lunch or dinner in these towns. Serik hosts many local eateries offering the regional flavors of Antalya cuisine.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
Since the waterfall is a natural area, infrastructure may be limited. It is recommended to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. If you plan to hike, sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles are essential; some parts of the trail can be wet and slippery. If you want to swim, don't forget to bring a swimsuit or shorts; the water is cold in all seasons.
Visitor comments include complaints about the environment being polluted at times. Respecting nature and taking your trash with you is important for the preservation of this beauty. Check the weather forecast in advance; in rainy weather, stream beds can rise rapidly and become dangerous.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Uçansu Waterfall is a very suitable destination for a day trip from Antalya. For those who only want to see the waterfalls and take a short break, 1-2 hours is sufficient. For those who want to complete the hiking trail covering both waterfalls, swim in the pools, and have a picnic, a 4-5 hour program is more realistic.
Those staying in Antalya can combine the waterfall with other natural areas in nearby districts like Serik or Manavgat to create a full-day itinerary.
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