Düzce Plateaus

The greenery of the plateaus is at its most vibrant between June and August. From late May to October, the weather is suitable for hiking and camping. Higher elevations like Balıklı Plateau get snow in winter, becoming a preferred area for sledding and snowball fights. In spring, roads can be muddy, so be careful, especially on dirt track sections.

Going by your own car is the most comfortable option. From Düzce city center, it takes approximately 30 km to Kocayayla and 38 km to Topuk Plateau. Thanks to the transit road connection, moving from one plateau to another takes between 5 and 20 minutes, making it easy to visit multiple plateaus on a single route. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is advisable if you want to visit more than one plateau.

You can start with Kocayayla in one day and then move to Pürenli or Kızık Plateau via the transit road. If you have more time, you can create a longer route starting from Kardüz Plateau and heading towards Abant. If you allocate two days, visiting Kocayayla and the surrounding Aktaş and Samandere waterfalls on the first day, and Balıklı or Topuk Plateau on the second day, makes for a balanced program.

2-3 hours are enough to see a single plateau. But the real value of Düzce's plateaus lies in their interconnectedness. Therefore, allocating a full day and connecting 2-3 plateaus using the transit road is more fulfilling. If you plan to camp, staying overnight makes a difference in experiencing the morning and evening light.

A large part of the road to Kocayayla is a dirt track. Drive slowly and carefully with your vehicle. Fog can suddenly descend on the plateaus in the afternoon, so it's good to plan your return time early. If you're camping, bring a stock of water and food, as the number of markets on the plateaus is limited.

Kocayayla's wide plain, with the forest silhouette stretching in the background, is suitable for wide-angle shots. The pond at Topuk Plateau, if photographed before the morning mist dissipates, captures the reflection on the water. In winter, the snow-covered area at Balıklı Plateau offers a different frame.

Düzce's plateaus are not a single attraction, but an interconnected system. The terrain, climate, and water resources make the region suitable for nature tourism. Kardüz, Kızık, Derebalık, Pürenli, Hera, Balıklı, Sinekli, Odayeri, and Kocayayla are the main stops on this route. Each retains its own character; some are preferred for camping, some for hiking, and others for winter sports.

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