Antalya's Quiet Natural Escape
Most visitors to Antalya come for the ruins and the beaches. Kurşunlu offers something different: a two-kilometre canyon hidden inside a nature park 20 kilometres from the city centre, where seven small pools connect to each other through cascades, and the main waterfall drops 18 metres into a still, deep basin. The surrounding forest of Aleppo pine, plane trees, and laurel creates a sense of shelter that the coast rarely provides. Kurşunlu is not a place to photograph quickly and leave — it is a place to spend a few hours.
A Nature Park Since 1991
Kurşunlu Waterfall and its surroundings were designated a Nature Park by the Turkish Ministry of Forestry in 1991. The waterfall and picnic area cover 33 hectares; the protected zone extends to approximately 597 hectares in total. The park's biodiversity is genuine and varied: the dominant Aleppo pine is joined by eastern plane trees, laurel, carob, wild olive, and mastic trees, while the water's edge supports water lilies, water mint, and reeds. Turtles, squirrels, rabbits, and woodpeckers are regularly spotted along the walking trails.
The Historic Watermill
One of the park's lesser-known features is a historic watermill dating back approximately 200 years, used by local villagers to grind grain. It sits along the walking trail on the way to the main waterfall — easy to walk past without noticing, but worth a pause.
A Walking Trail Worth Knowing About
There is a detail about Kurşunlu that catches many visitors off guard: the sign marked "Exit" does not lead to the exit. It leads to the walking trail — and once on it, you are committed to at least 45 minutes of walking before completing the circuit. The trail itself is excellent, winding through the canyon with the sound of water throughout. Just go in knowing that comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential, as sections of the path can be slippery.
Practical Information
- Location: Aksu district, approximately 20 to 22 km from Antalya city centre, around 10 km from Antalya Airport.
- Getting there: By bus lines 524 or 524A, or minibus lines 230 and 231 from the city centre. By car, turn left at the 24th km of the Antalya–Isparta highway and follow the road north from Soğucaksu Bridge for 7 km.
- Entrance fee: Paid entry. MüzeKart is not valid at this park.
- Opening hours: Summer 08:00–19:00, winter 08:00–18:00. Open year-round.
- Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes for the waterfall only; at least 1.5 to 2 hours with the walking trail.
- Combine with: Perge Ancient City and Aspendos lie along the same route and make a natural full-day combination.
