Yerkopru Natural Bridge

About Yerkopru

Yerkopru is located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, within Koprulu Canyon National Park. Official nature tourism records also refer to the wider area around Gaziler as Yerkopru / Buyuk Canyon.

The main feature of Yerkopru is the natural bridge formation created where a stream continues beneath the rock structure. Hiking route records describe the site as a natural bridge over the stream with geological characteristics similar to a sinkhole formation.

Are Yerkopru and Esek Koprusu the Same Place?

No. Yerkopru and Yarikkopru (Esek Koprusu) are two separate locations within Koprulu Canyon National Park. Antalya's cultural heritage inventory lists Yerkopru as a natural site, while Yarikkopru is recorded separately as a structure also known as Esek Koprusu.

Yarikkopru (Esek Koprusu) is located approximately 3 km north of Oluk Kopru. Some hiking routes combine Yerkopru, Esek Koprusu, Oluk Kopru and other nearby sites within the same itinerary, which can sometimes lead to confusion between the names.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

Yerkopru lies within the forested and rugged landscape of the Koprucay valley. Koprulu Canyon National Park is a protected natural area characterised by cypress, cedar and black pine communities, steep canyon walls, water sources and rich biodiversity.

The Yerkopru / Buyuk Canyon area near Gaziler is among the locations in the national park where griffon vulture nesting sites have been recorded. Other notable bird species documented across the park include the imperial eagle, cinereous vulture, Egyptian vulture and Krueper's nuthatch.

Hiking Routes and Nearby Places

Yerkopru is included in several trekking routes around Koprulu Canyon. Some trails connect Yerkopru with Ancient Selge, Adam Kayalari, Tazi Canyon and Oluk Kopru within the same hiking itinerary.

Sections of the St. Paul Trail around Koprulu Canyon also pass close to Yerkopru. The area can therefore be explored not only for the natural bridge itself, but also as part of a wider landscape of ancient paths, canyon scenery and forest trails.

How Long Is the Hike and How Difficult Is It?

There is no single standard hiking duration or difficulty level for Yerkopru because the route varies considerably depending on the starting point and chosen trail. For example, the Selge-Yerkopru-Oluk Kopru route has been recorded as an approximately 12.8 km hike of moderate difficulty.

Visitors should therefore consider not only the location of Yerkopru but also the total route distance, elevation changes and return plan before starting a hike.

Safety and What to Keep in Mind

Trails around Yerkopru may include natural paths, rocky surfaces, streamside sections and sloping terrain. Rocks and soil can become slippery after rain, so footwear suitable for uneven hiking terrain is recommended.

Visitors should remain on marked routes and take particular care near canyon edges and waterways. Warning and safety signs within Koprulu Canyon National Park should also be followed.

Good to Know Before You Go

Yerkopru is a natural rock-bridge formation within Koprulu Canyon National Park.

Yerkopru and Yarikkopru (Esek Koprusu) are not the same place.

Because Yerkopru is included in several different trekking routes, there is no fixed visit or hiking duration.

Current official visiting hours for the national park are listed as 07:00–20:00.

Trail conditions can change with the season and rainfall, so the route and weather should be checked before hiking.

The defining feature of Yerkopru is its natural bridge structure, formed where a stream passes beneath the rock within the forested canyon landscape of Koprulu Canyon National Park, together with the trekking routes that cross the surrounding area.