Culture & Travel
13 May 2025Hello! I’m Adem Barış, a traveling photographer who has dedicated most of his time to exploring different cities. Today, I’d like to tell you about a magical autumn destination located just 3 hours from Istanbul and 3.5 hours from Ankara: Bilecik!
If you’re looking to plan an autumn escape in a lesser-known city, you’ll definitely want to read this post carefully.
Every season brings its own beauty to Bilecik, but I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it in autumn just as much as I did.
Bozcaarmut Lake
Located in the Pazaryeri district of Bilecik, Bozcaarmut Lake is a hidden gem nestled deep in nature.
Once you reach Pazaryeri from Bilecik, a scenic 11-kilometer road will lead you to this peaceful retreat—far from the noise of the city, surrounded by pine forests, where you can fully immerse yourself in the calm of nature.
Although entirely man-made, the lake offers a perfect setting for a nature walk among birdsong, a day picnic, or if you prefer, caravan and tent camping options as well.
For camping, I recommend finding a flat spot near the lake, as the surrounding area is mostly steep slopes and dense forest. In my opinion, the lake is at its most magical in the early morning hours—when it’s blanketed in a gentle mist that rises above the still water.
Here are a few tips for those planning to visit Bozcaarmut Lake:
- Camping is allowed and there is a small fee, though prices may vary—so it’s best to check in advance.
- Toilets are available, but unfortunately, there are no restaurants or places to buy food nearby.
- You’ll find wooden picnic tables scattered around the lake.
- At 1,090 meters elevation, temperatures can get quite chilly at night and in the early morning—even in warmer seasons.
- Mobile reception depends on your carrier. Some networks have no signal, while others work well.
- The lake is about 2 kilometers from the nearest village, and the locals are incredibly hospitable—they’ll gladly help if you need anything.
- One last note: wild animals have been spotted in the area at night, so do keep that in mind when planning your stay.
Küçükelmalı Nature Park
Located just 10 kilometers from Bozcaarmut Lake, Küçükelmalı Nature Park is one of the must-see spots in the region—you shouldn’t leave without visiting it if you’re already nearby.
Said to be healing for both body and soul, this park welcomes you with a mesmerizing blend of black pine, beech, and oak trees, all dressed in stunning autumn colors.
Managed by the National Parks Directorate, the park offers walking trails, playgrounds for children, picnic tables, and wooden piers and bridges—a wide range of spaces where you can fully enjoy nature at its best.
Osmaneli
Osmaneli was one of the places in Bilecik that impressed me the most. It’s a natural wonder where you can take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Göksu River, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of birds.
In autumn, the trees burst into a kaleidoscope of colors, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
If you’re planning a visit to Bilecik in the fall, be sure to include Osmaneli in your autumn itinerary—you won’t regret it.
Suuçtu İnhisar Waterfall
As the name suggests, this hidden gem is located in the İnhisar district of Bilecik.
Surrounded by lush greenery, İnhisar Waterfall transforms into a spectacle of color during the autumn months. The vivid hues of the foliage combined with the cascading water create a truly enchanting scene. However, getting to this breathtaking spot isn’t exactly easy.
You’ll need to hike around 300 meters along steep and narrow paths, so wearing proper footwear is essential.
I visited in November, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. Perhaps what makes the waterfall so magical is the journey it takes to reach it.
If I were to list a few more places you shouldn’t miss while visiting Bilecik, they would be:
- İnhisar Pomegranate Orchards
- Pelitözü Lake
- Söğüt
- Harmankaya Canyon
- İnhisar Cave
- Kınık Waterfall
- Bilecik Clock Tower
Wishing you all a wonderful journey—happy exploring in advance!
Adem Barış