Ballıkayalar Nature Park is located in the west of Kocaeli, only an hour's drive from İstanbul.
Ballıkayalar is a 1.5-kilometer-long and 40-80-meter-wide valley that is designated as a "Nature Park and Natural Protected Area." Canyons surround the valley, making it perfect for rock climbing. There are hiking trails on the east and west ridges of this canyon.
The hiking routes in Ballıkayalar are good for novice trekkers who haven't done much training because they allow for non-compelling hikes. Along the trekking paths, you will come across little waterfalls and walk over the small lakes made by these waterfalls.
Ballıkayalar Nature Park is home to a diverse range of tree species, including thuja oak, sycamore, willow, fir, hornbeam, chestnut, and linden trees. There are also many animals living in this park. Pied crows, moles, nightingales, roe deers and squirrels are just some of them.