Turnalı Plateau

The most suitable period for Turnalı Plateau is the summer season, extending from early June to late September. During these months, plateau roads are open, meadows are green, and the weather is favorable for camping. In May, snow may still be melting; it's a good idea to check road conditions before setting off. From October onwards, night temperatures drop significantly, and access to the plateau becomes difficult. In winter, plateau roads close.

There are two main routes to reach Turnalı Plateau. The first is the Akyazı-Dokurcun line; after passing from Sakarya center to Akyazı, you proceed in the direction of Dokurcun to reach the plateau. The second option is the road coming via Hendek. Both routes require a private vehicle; public transport connections are extremely limited. Since a part of the road is unpaved or a forest road, high-clearance vehicles should be preferred. Check current road conditions from local sources before you go.

Turnalı Plateau, together with Çiğdem Plateau, forms an approximately 7-kilometer nature hiking trail. Along the route, you pass through open plateau plains, forest paths, and a small plateau lake. The hike is of moderate difficulty; sturdy hiking shoes and carrying enough water are important. If you want to see the entire route, it would be a sensible plan to start before noon and not leave the return for the evening.

If you are coming only for hiking and scenery, half to a full day is sufficient. If you plan to camp, staying 1-2 nights will allow you to experience the full atmosphere of the plateau. The hours when morning mist spreads over the meadows and the sunset hits the mountain silhouette are moments easily missed during short visits.

Turnalı Plateau offers a fertile environment for photography with its wide-angle views and plains. The small plateau lake is an ideal spot for reflection photos in the early morning hours. The ridge points just before the transition to Çiğdem Plateau stand out for those who want to capture wide-angle mountain views. I also recommend utilizing the late afternoon hours as the sunset light gives a golden tone to the plateau meadows.

There are no markets, gas stations, or health units on the plateau; you need to meet all your needs in the Akyazı or Hendek district centers. Since the weather can change suddenly at 1400 meters altitude, make sure to have a raincoat and extra clothing in your bag. Be careful about the risk of forest fires when lighting a campfire; learn in advance about periods when lighting fires is prohibited. Taking your trash back with you directly contributes to the preservation of this natural area.

Turnalı Plateau itself does not have any food and beverage facilities. There are local restaurants and breakfast places in the Akyazı district center. There might also be small-scale businesses in Dokurcun village; however, it would be healthier to confirm in advance whether they are open and their hours. For those planning to camp, the most reliable option is to bring ready-to-eat food and a stove with them.