Yukarı Gökdere Kasnak Meşesi Tabiat Koruma Alanı, Isparta'nın Eğirdir ilçesine bağlı 1.300 hektarlık alan olup, kasnak meşesinin dünyada doğal orman oluşturduğu tek yerdir; bilim ve eğitim amaçlı özel izin, ücret ve personel eşliğinde girilebilir.
The Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve is a 1,300-hectare forest area within the borders of Yukarı Gökdere Village in Eğirdir, declared a nature reserve in 1987. What makes this place valuable is that it is the only known place in the world where the Kasnak oak (Quercus vulcanica) naturally forms a stand. These endemic trees, reaching up to 30 meters in height, spread in the basin of Eğirdir Lake and Kovada Lake, in an area adjacent to juniper, pine, and cedar forests.
The site also stands out for its flora diversity. Since almost all mountain and steppe plants are found here, the region serves as a kind of natural plant inventory. But this protected status comes with a price: free entry to the area is not allowed. Entry is possible for educational and scientific purposes, with special permission, by paying a fee, and accompanied by authorized personnel. Unauthorized entry for touristic purposes is not possible.
There are hourly minibuses from Eğirdir to the village. The section from the village to the forest is a stabilized, stony road passing through the forest; it can only be reached by private vehicle. Its 4.5 rating with 71 reviews on Google Places indicates that the number of people interested in the area is considerable.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The area has a rich flora, hosting most mountain and steppe plants. Late spring to early summer is an advantageous period for those who want to see the plant diversity. In autumn, when the oak leaves change color, it adds a distinct appearance to the forest. In winter, road conditions can be difficult, so it is necessary to inquire about the condition of the stabilized forest road beforehand.
How to Get There
Transportation from Isparta to Eğirdir is easy. Then, hourly minibuses depart from Eğirdir village garage to Yukarı Gökdere village. The real challenge is the last stage from the village to the protected area: this road is stabilized, stony, and passes through the forest, and can only be reached by private vehicle, not public transport. Going with a vehicle suitable for off-road conditions will make your job easier.
Permission and Entry Conditions
This is a nature reserve, so it is not a park open for free roaming. Entries are only for educational and scientific purposes, with prior special permission, by paying a fee, and accompanied by authorized personnel. Unauthorized entry for touristic purposes is prohibited. If you are planning a visit, first write to ispartaormansu@gmail.com or call (246) 228 7463.
Why Kasnak Oak is Special
The Kasnak oak (Quercus vulcanica) is a species that has naturally formed a stand, meaning it has created a forest on its own, only in this region in the world. These trees, reaching up to 30 meters in height, are the main reason the area was protected in 1987. The site also functions as a kind of open-air plant inventory, as it hosts almost all mountain and steppe plants.
Other Natural Areas Nearby
Kasnak Oak is located in the basin of Eğirdir Lake and Kovada Lake and is adjacent to coniferous forests such as juniper, pine, and cedar. Kovada Lake National Park is also in the same region; this proximity allows visitors to Eğirdir to include both in the same travel itinerary.
How Much Time to Allocate
Since entry to the area itself is limited to permitted and accompanied visits, a visit usually lasts 2-3 hours. Considering the round-trip travel time from Eğirdir, it is a logical plan to spend the day in Eğirdir center and allocate half a day to this trip.
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