Emerging from the Toros (Taurus) Mountains
and running through a number of amazing canyons, Koprucay
flows into the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Serik.
Fed by underground springs in gorges
that cut through steep, impassable canyons, the Koprucay
constitutes one of Turkey's most beautiful natural recreation
areas. The numerous archaeological sites in the area,
especially the ancient city of Selge (Zerk), the fortresses
on the banks of the river, arched Roman bridges and
historic roads add to the significance of the Koprulu
Canyon.
Koprucay is reached from Antalya via Serik, Tasagìl
and Beskonak. Those coming from Manavgat can reach Beskonak
via Tasagil. The asphalt road to Beskonak follows the
Koprucay in various places.
Koprulu Canyon National Park covers 36,000 hectares,
including part of Koprucay and the ancient city of Selge.
As Turkey's largest forest of Mediterranean Cypress,
the National Park is rich in red pine, black pine, cedar,
fir, oak and wild olive trees. The wild animals in the
region include fallow deer, wild goat, wild boar, bear,
wolf, fox, rabbit and various bird species. There are
red speckled trout in the upper reaches and grey mullet
in other parts of the Koprucay.
COURSE
Approximately 100 m before Oluk Bridge, the water is
still and the river forms a pool. This is a good spot
to start your trip and gives an inexperienced crew time
to get used to the rowing technique. The bridge is reached
by paddling against the current. Less experienced groups
usually enter the canyon from the Oluk Bridge, while
professionals may do so either from the falls near the
start or from the Oluk Bridge, turning around further
ahead to start the trip. The course continues after
passing the falls, and areas of class 2-3 water.
The falls along the river add to the
beauty of the landscape. After each waterfall, the Koprucay
slows down, giving time to enjoy the majestic setting.
A concrete bridge is 10 km down the river, and novices
should complete their journey immediately before this
point. Experienced rowers can continue into the first
canyon after the bridge, but the second canyon is strictly
off limits, since the river runs under rocks in paces.
After disembarking at the end of the first
canyon, which is about 3 km long,
the left bank leads to an asphalt road.
