The waterfalls were unknown to the public and not documented on maps until their accidental discovery in 1997.
The trekking route through the canyon is officially categorized as a 'water walking' trail, necessitating water-resistant gear.
The series consists of 28 individual drops, though not all are accessible to casual hikers.
The canyon is known as Tatlıca, derived from the local village name.
The limestone-heavy geology of the area has led to the formation of distinct, tiered pools between the falls.
Erfelek Tatlıca Falls comprises a series of 28 distinct waterfalls situated along a narrow, forested canyon in Sinop, Türkiye. The site features a challenging hiking path that follows the creek bed, requiring visitors to navigate directly through the water and climb wooden ladders or stone sections. The falls were discovered accidentally by local villagers in 1997 during the construction of a forest road. The water flow remains consistent throughout the spring and early summer due to the surrounding basin's drainage. The park offers designated picnic zones and walking trails that deviate from the main water-based route for those seeking less strenuous activity. The canyon is formed by geological strata that create a staircase effect, allowing for the formation of multiple drops in rapid succession.
The mid-canyon section where several tiered falls can be captured in a single vertical frame.
Wear specialized water shoes with high grip to prevent slipping on submerged rocks.
Carry a waterproof dry bag for your electronics, as the trail involves walking through knee-deep water.
Hike the full trail early in the day to avoid congestion at the narrow ladder sections.
Attempting the full canyon trail in street shoes or sandals without back straps.
The trail is best navigated between May and September; access may be restricted during heavy winter snowfall or spring floods.
Avoid discarding litter in the stream as the water feeds into local agricultural basins; stay on marked paths to protect the moss-heavy canyon floor.
