Valla Canyon

Valla Canyon is located within the borders of the village of Muratbaşı (Valla), district of Pınarbaşı, province of Kastamonu. The canyon, located in the Küre Mountains National Park, with a depth of 800 m, is among the deepest canyons in Turkey. It is the canyon formed by the Devrekani River cutting through the Küre Mountains. Its length is 12 km.

It was formed by the chemical erosion of the limestone layers that make up the Küre Mountains by rivers. The canyon, which starts at the point where the Devrekâni River and the Kanlıçay meet, runs 12 km towards the district of Cide. In addition to Valla Canyon, the Devrekâni River has also formed Çatak Canyon and Horma Canyon.

The length of the canyon, the difficulty of its route, and the height of its walls make passage dangerous. It is not possible for non-experts and people without equipment to pass. Accidents of getting lost and deaths can occur.

At the exit of Valla Canyon the Devrekani River flows within the Loç Valley. A project for the construction of the 35 m high Dike Dam and Hydroelectric power plant at the valley exit is in the planning stage.

Transportation

It is 26 km from the district of Pınarbaşı. A graded road extends up to the Valla neighborhood of the village of Muratbaşı. After this point, a 1.5 km forest trail leads further. The municipality of Pınarbaşı and the Gendarmerie assist those who wish to visit the canyon. It is recommended that persons wishing to enter the canyon be in contact with security forces to prevent incidents that occurred in the past.