An integrative approach to recreational trail planning in mountain protected areas: a case study of Kaçkar Mountains National Park, Turkey


Parlak P. Ö., Kurdoğlu B. Ç.

ECO.MONT, vol.17, no.1, pp.25-35, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1553/eco.mont-17-1s25
  • Journal Name: ECO.MONT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Environment Index, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.25-35
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Economic, social and technological changes, as well as a global epidemic, have altered people’s needs and influenced travel cultures, shifting tourism from mass forms to alternative, nature-based ones, thereby stimulating economic development. The growing popularity of outdoor recreation activities highlights the need to balance conservation and use in protected areas. This study focuses on trail planning in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, an area ideal for outdoor activities but threatened by excessive and unplanned use. The Park aims to guide visitors safely along appropriate routes, ensuring access to nature while maintaining a balance between resource use and protection. The research for this study included the selection of 10 trails, expert interviews, field studies, digitization of inventory and routes, assessment of difficulty using AHP, theming of routes, and development of management strategies. Using the AHP method to grade trail difficulty resulted in four low-, four medium- and two high-difficulty paths, which were divided into four themes (Glacial Age, Wild, Victory Climbing, Cloud Sea). Safety problems and management deficiencies of the routes were identified, route maps were prepared, and suggestions for the management of the routes were developed.