The plane tree featured in our routes grows west of Gedelme, near Yayla Kuzdere. A ten-kilometer loop through the surrounding mountains, a long section of the Lycian Way through Gedelme to Kemer, and a difficult northern ascent of Mount Tahtalı all begin here.
What Kind of Plane Tree Is It?
This is an Oriental plane tree, Platanus orientalis, registered as a natural monument in the Yayla Kuzdere area. Documents about its registration estimate its age at approximately 1,000 years, and its trunk is more than four meters in diameter. Local descriptions give estimates ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 years, so its age should be regarded as approximate.
This plane tree should not be confused with another well-known tree, Gedelma Çınarı, near Gedelme Fortress, which is said to be 2,500–2,700 years old. These are two different locations. The plane tree in this article is much farther west, by the road near Yayla Kuzdere.
Do not climb onto the trunk or large branches, damage the bark, or compact the soil around the roots with a vehicle. It is especially important to follow the visitor rules at a registered natural monument.
Arriving by Car
The simplest option is to drive directly to the plane tree, see it, and return without hiking.
The final section follows mountain roads. Their condition may change after rain and roadwork, so do not expect an ordinary urban access road. Plan the drive in advance and park so that your car does not block access to homes or forest roads.
Loop Around the Plane Tree
You can follow a loop approximately 10 km long from the tree. The distance is short, but the route cannot be considered an easy walk: it has fairly substantial elevation gain, and the return section descends along a mountain trail. Stones and ground become slippery after rain, and the descent may be the most demanding part of the day.
Before setting out, check the distance and elevation gain of your chosen version of the loop. Bring a GPX track: forest roads and trails form junctions where it is easy to stray onto a long-distance route. Maintain a calm pace on the descent, place your feet securely, and do not try to make up time quickly.
Through Gedelme to the Bridge
A longer option heads east from the plane tree, passes through Yayla Kuzdere, and reaches Gedelme. In the village, you can see the well-preserved Byzantine fortress Gedelme Kalesi, dated to the ninth century, and the second famous plane tree, Gedelma Çınarı, beside it. This means that you can see both trees on a single route. Most of the journey follows mountain roads, so the route is technically quite easy, although its duration requires a steady pace and extra time.
After Gedelme, the route continues toward Kemer and ends at a picturesque old bridge in the Kesme Boğazı gorge north of the city. Detailed options, distances, and elevation gains are collected on the Gedelme and the Bridge page. The start and finish are in different places, so return transport must be arranged before setting out.
Northern Ascent of Mount Tahtalı
The northern option for the ascent of Mount Tahtalı begins south of Yayla Kuzdere. A mountain road takes you almost to the open, treeless section, allowing you to begin the walking section much higher up. The summit is at an elevation of 2,365 m, so the route still requires good physical fitness, an early start, confident navigation, and readiness for a sudden change in the weather.
Do not add Mount Tahtalı to the loop spontaneously. This type of outing must be planned in advance by checking the total elevation gain, trail conditions, remaining daylight, and method of return. If you do not yet have experience with long ascents, it is better to limit yourself to the loop around the plane tree or the section leading to the bridge.
Difficulty and Preparation
A visit by car does not require hiking preparation. For the ten-kilometer loop, you need closed-toe footwear with a grippy sole, water, a small food supply, a charged phone, and a flashlight. The long journey to the bridge also requires a return plan, while the route up Mount Tahtalı requires a complete kit for a difficult day in the mountains.
We do not have confirmed water sources for every route option. Calculate your water supply before the start and check the weather at elevation. It is cooler near Yayla Kuzdere than by the sea, and conditions on Mount Tahtalı may differ even more.
Our Hikes
January 13, 2024. The archive contains a long 22 km option with 215 m of elevation gain and a high point of 940 m. October 13, 2024. An extended route across the bridge: 20 km, 420 m uphill, and a high point of 1,133 m.
These figures apply to the complete long tracks and do not describe the compact loop from the tree. For a separate walk around the plane tree, expect approximately 10 km and check the elevation gain of your chosen line in advance.
