When Adana is mentioned, only food should not come to mind. There are many little-known natural beauties competing with each other in this city, which leans on the Taurus Mountains and embraces the fertile Çukurova. One of them is KAPIKAYA CANYON, which is one of the must-see places in Adana! Where is Kapikaya canyon, directions, entrance fee, camping and picnic areas, distance from Varda Bridge and much more is waiting for you in this article, happy reading!
General Information About Kapikaya Canyon
Kapikaya Canyon; It is located in the Çakıt Stream valley, one of the branches of the Seyhan River originating from Niğde. Passing through the traces of carob, oleander, plane tree and olive trees and historical ruins, you reach the canyon.
Çakıt Stream, passing through the canyon walls at a height of 200 meters and reaching the sea, formed a 20-kilometer canyon. There is a 20 km hiking trail inside this 7.2 km long canyon. It's a route longer than 14km if you want to walk a round trip. There is Bahçecik Waterfall on the route.
Kapikaya Canyon was also used for transportation purposes in the past, it was an old postal route. Adnan Menderes Post Road Recreation Area is located at the entrance of Kapıkaya Village. One end of the canyon is the point where the Yerköprü Waterfall, which was formed by Çakıt Stream going underground and resurfacing, is located. There is also a promenade here. It is possible to reach by car between Bahçecik Waterfall and Yerköprü Recreation Area.
If you want to come to the canyon and have a good time, I suggest you choose shoes and clothes suitable for trekking. A magnificent route for those who love hiking, make sure to take your time!
Where is Kapikaya Canyon?
“Where is Kapikaya Canyon?” If you ask; It is located within the borders of Karaisalı district of Adana. The canyon is located 56 km from the center of Adana and only 6 km from the town of Karaisalı.
The part of the canyon that is open for hiking starts from Kapıkaya Village in Karaisalı town, continues for 7.2 km along Çakıt Stream and ends at Yerköprü Recreation Area.
Canyon's Google Maps app Click for location.
Kapikaya Canyon Directions
To reach the canyon with your own vehicle for; If you are coming from Adana, the fastest and easiest way is to come to Karaisalı district first, turn west from there and reach the canyon. Reaching the Adnan Menderes Post Road Recreation Area entrance. You won't have any trouble finding it as there are signposts along the way.
Reaching the canyon by public transport You have two options for;
- the first one is to come to Karaisalı district and get on the village minibuses or hitchhike from there,
- The second option is to come to the Khachkiri train station by train and walk 5 kilometers towards the canyon.
Between Kapıkaya Canyon and Varda (German) Bridge
If you have come to the canyon, do not forget to add the Varda Bridge to your route. The distance between Kapıkaya Canyon and Varda Bridge is approximately 15 kilometers by car. If you say you want to walk; There is a 5.5 km long walking route connecting Varda Bridge and Kapıkaya Canyon, but we could not see the suspension bridge on the route because it is out of service at the moment. I hope it will be repaired on my next visit.
Be sure to check out my Varda Bridge article: Varda (German) Bridge
You can see the 5.5 kilometer walking route from Varda Bridge to Kapikaya Canyon above. To make this route one-way, a vehicle must leave you at Varda Bridge and pick you up at Kapıkaya Canyon, otherwise you will have to walk back the same way. Usually, hiking groups organize daily walking tours by adding Yerköprü Waterfall, where Çakıt Stream enters underground, to this route, it would be great if you could catch one of them.
Kapikaya Canyon Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours
The canyon entrance is currently free, there are no checkpoints.
There are no restrictions on visiting hours. However, if you do not have the necessary equipment, I would not recommend you to be in the canyon after dark, there is no lighting. There are no businesses along the route, you have to start the walk by supplying your water and similar needs.
Kapikaya Canyon Picnic Areas
There are picnic areas at different points in Kapıkaya Canyon:
- Adnan Menderes Post Road Recreation Area: There is Adnan Menderes Post Road Recreation Area at the entrance of Kapıkaya Village of Kapıkaya Canyon. Picnic tables are placed on the shore of Çakıt Stream, where you can have a picnic. At the entrance of the recreation area, there is a toilet, a market and a place where you can buy pancakes, squeezing, tea and coffee. So even if you go without supplies, you won't go hungry. However, make sure to make your supply at this point before entering the canyon, because there is no other facility inside.
- Bahcecik Waterfall: You can have a picnic by the waterfall on the canyon walking route. There is also a facility here, suitable for a tea-coffee-squeezing break.
- Yerköprü Recreation Area: The other end of the canyon is Yerköprü Recreation Area, where there is a picnic area, market, toilet and facility similarly at this point.
Is it possible to camp in Kapikaya Canyon?
You can camp in the picnic areas or canyon in Kapıkaya Canyon, there are no restrictions. However, there is no facility where you can meet your needs such as electricity and water. If you want to camp; I suggest you go by making all the necessary supplies such as water, food, lighting.
Kapikaya Canyon Photos
The Kapikaya Canyon photos I used in this article are listed below. I would like to remind you again that all usage rights of the photos belong to me.
Kapikaya Canyon 
Kapikaya Canyon Hiking Trail 
Kapikaya Canyon Kapikaya Canyon Kapikaya Canyon 
Varda Bridge
My Other Adana Travel Articles
There are many beautiful spots that you can visit and see while you are in Adana. You will find great suggestions in my Adana travel writings list below;
- List of places to visit in Adana
- Places to visit in Adana city center
- Adana food
- Adana Orange Blossom Carnival
- Adana Varda Bridge
Stay on track!