DETAILS OF THE PATH
1-
Start (Alt: 40m) : The
path starts from the stone stairs at the right side of the mobile phone
transmitter. The marks start from this point.
Here
it is rough and inclined turning lots of corners. It cuts through the
bushy trees mainly of evergreen oaks and olives. Don’t be tempted to
make any shortcuts or to
follow other paths that may lead totally in the wrong direction. Further up
you need to cross an inclined rock surface. Avoid trying any other
routes since the marked path is the safest. If you feel the need to hold
the rocks for support, do so. The slope flattens out for a while and
past a short inclined section through the red pine trees it comes to a
junction. Total trip is 1.9 km
(40 mins).
2- Junction (Alt: 330m) : Now
you join the historical path from Ovacik to Kirme which is in better condition and easier to walk (Ovacik is 3 km to the left). Here turn
right. You’ll first pass another junction going to a paragliding take-off
area. Turning left the path continues with a gentle incline. Then
you’ll cross another take-off, a gulley and pass two cisterns arriving
at a third one. Total trip is 4
km (1 hour 20 mins).
3- Cistern (Alt: 610m) : Nearby
the cistern there is a shady evergreen oak. The path makes a sharp
corner to the left. Soon there is a junction where you must turn right.
You arrive at a plain walking on a gentle slope. Total
trip is 4.7 km (1 hour 45 mins).
4- The Plain (Alt: 730m) : From
this point you’ll leave the accompanying view of the Blue Lagoon,
peninsulas and islands. The scenery suddenly changes with fields, stone
walls and the Babadag ridge. Further, there is a junction where the
path becomes an earth road. Here you must go straight on while the right
hand side continues to a take-off near the cliffs giving a chance to
view Kidrak valley. At the last stage the path makes a descent of 40m.
due to the topography, where you can see the rocky SW face of Babadag
and the gorge, before arriving at Kozagaci village. Total
trip is 6.5 km (2 hours 15 mins).
5- Kozagaci
(Alt: 750m) : Kozagaci is a tiny village which could be a startpoint
of many other interesting routes. At this junction one finds a fountain
suitable to drink and flowing all year round. There is no other
drinkable water source further along. This is a critical halfway point.
The following route to Babadag is harder; so if you feel unfit or
exhausted it’s advisable not to continue but to have a rest, wander
around and return. The motor road may be an alternative back to Ölüdeniz
(15 km). To continue take the footpath to the left. On the way there are
many junctions. You must stick to the marked path. Soon the path becomes
parallel to a tiny stream flowing in winter. After crossing it twice you
walk across the eroded terrain with reddish colored rocks. Reaching a
negatively inclined rock, turn left. Now the path heads to a gap between
a small hill and the long slope leading to the main ridge of Babadag.
Before this gap you arrive at a junction near a sole red pine tree. Total
trip is 8.3 km (3 hours) .
6- Junction (Alt: 1040m) : Turn
right at the junction. The state of the surface and the incline worsens.
In some places the bushy trees on
both sides, rocks and scree on the ground make hiking difficult.
You must be very careful. Also be cautious not to follow any misleading
tracks ending up in the bushes. This section may be tiring and quite
boring but points allowing a view of Blue Lagoon and the ridge may help
to cease these feelings. Suddenly you arrive at the cedar line. Total
trip is 9.8 km (4 hours).
7- Cedar Line (Alt: 1450m) : Beginning
from this altitude you’ll be in the magnificent cedar forest mixed
with other high altitude trees. Snow is certain in winter months. Here
the path is vague due to the soil type. The slope is at its greatest
throughout the total route. At the end there are a few points at which
you may feel the need to hold the rocks. Then the slope flattens out. Total
trip is 10.5 km (4 hours 30 mins).
8- Ridge (Alt: 1630 m) : Now
you are on the ridge of Babadag. Here the path becomes obvious and
better in condition. On the other side of a small mount, there is a
cliff. You’ll cross two flat areas separated by three easily passed
rocky passages. Then the path turns to left
and reaches the famous take-off slope. Total
trip is 11.2 km (4 hours 45 mins).
9- Take-off (Alt: 1720 m) : Here
is the widest and longest take-off point on Babadag. It faces SW. The
path joins the motor road which makes an alternative way to Oludeniz
(18km). The rest is an easy walk on a gently inclined road situated on
the northeast side of the ridge. This section allows you to see Fethiye
town, Ovacik village, the small plain below, Mendos Mt. across the plain,
Akdag
Mt.(3015m) far to the East with Saklikent Canyon on its slopes
and Caldag Mt.(2184m) far to the North. On the way there are two gaps
allowing the other side to be seen. The last part makes a sharp corner
to the right and reaches the peak. Total
trip is 13 km (5 hours 30 mins).
10-Peak (Alt: 1969m) : You
have come to the end of the great ascent. There is a forest fire watch
station on the peak and two take-off points, one near the station facing
to the North, the other 200m. to the East facing South. The station
operates only in the summer when the road is accessible by vehicles. The
door of the hut near the station may be open in the winter months, a
free place to stay overnight as
an option if you are equipped. Depending on the season, weather
and time of the day, either from the peak or from one point below, the
trucks may be a transport option .If you ask, the drivers will gladly
take you to Oludeniz. If you want to walk back you can take the same
route. However the alternative road (20km to Oludeniz) provides
different scenery with a similar duration. In winter conditions the
nearest point that can be accessed by motor vehicles is generally the
junction on the plain to the NE at 1250m. altitude. On the way down you
must turn left (the other way leads to Mendos Mt.). Here, the only
drinkable water source is at 500m. past the junction and on the left
side of the road. You must walk up about 100m. from the water depot to
reach the fountain. For the rest of this route simply follow the widest
track.
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