Where is the İncesu Canyon and how far is it from Çorum?

The İncesu Canyon is in the village of İncesu in the Ortaköy district of Çorum. It is about 86 km from the city centre (figures vary by source) and about 7 km from the centre of Ortaköy.

What can you do at the İncesu Canyon?

You can walk on the suspended platform over the water, see the Cybele rock relief and the acropolis remains, and go trekking, hiking and birdwatching — with rafting possible when the water is high.

How long does it take to visit the İncesu Canyon?

Allow roughly half a day (2–4 hours) for the walkway, the Cybele relief and the acropolis steps. The climb to the acropolis is steep, with around 468 steps.

How do you get to the İncesu Canyon?

As it is a rural area, a car is effectively necessary. You drive along the Ortaköy–Göynücek road and turn off to the canyon; it is about 7 km from the centre of Ortaköy.

When is the best time to visit the İncesu Canyon?

Spring and autumn are best for the water level and scenery. There is little shade on summer middays and winter can make access harder. Bring walking shoes and water.

İncesu Canyon Visitor Guide: How to Get There, What to See

The İncesu Canyon in the Ortaköy district of Çorum stands out for its high cliffs and natural beauty. This page focuses on how to visit it.

📍 Location and transport

The canyon is in the village of İncesu, Ortaköy district. It is about 86 km from central Çorum (figures vary by source) and about 7 km from the centre of Ortaköy. As it is a rural area, a car is effectively necessary. For ways to reach the city, see how to get to Çorum.

🏞️ About the canyon

The canyon is about 12 km long and 40–60 m wide in places, with cliffs reaching around 200 metres at points. It was carved by the Çekerek River (a tributary of the Yeşilırmak). For its length it is locally known as the "Long Passage".

🥾 What to see and do

Suspended walkway: a platform fixed to the cliffs that lets you walk over the water, with a protective steel barrier along part of it.
Cybele (Mother Goddess) rock relief: a Hellenistic relief (2nd century BC) of the enthroned goddess — one of the largest examples in Anatolia.
Acropolis: remains at about 1,100 m elevation, reached by a steep climb of around 468 steps.
Cisterns and caves: structures carved into the rock along the canyon.
Activities: trekking, hiking and birdwatching; rafting when the water is high.

🎒 Practical tips

Time: roughly half a day (2–4 hours) for the walkway, Cybele relief and acropolis.
Season: spring and autumn are ideal.
Come prepared: bring walking shoes, water and snacks for the slippery rock, suspended platform and steep steps; take care near the edges.
Nearby — Şapinuva: in the same district (about 3 km southwest of Ortaköy centre) lies Şapinuva, an important Hittite cult centre, which can be combined with the canyon visit.