Lake Eymir is one of the most scenic spots in the Ankara area for a run. This natural lake is 20 km south of Ankara center and is adjacent to the METU Forest. It’s a popular spot for walkers, runners, and bikers. A full loop around the lake on the very runnable road is 10.6 km, and features some lovely views. You can also just choose a section of the road. There are numerous access points. Just off the 0-20 highway at the southern end of the lake is a bike rental shop, which can be a good start point. At the northern end, adjacent to the Forest, is a parking area at the Vineyard House.
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Add-On: At the northern end of the lake is the 7, 500-acre METU Forest, which has many km of trails that are popular for trail running and mountain biking. Even though it’s called a ‘forest’, much of the area is open and the paths are generally wide with a gravel surface. The forest is part of the 11,000-acre Metu University campus. Note: Hilly! See our route there.
Lake Eymir is one of the most scenic spots in the Ankara area for a run. This natural lake is 20 km south of Ankara center and is adjacent to the METU Forest. It’s a popular spot for walkers, runners, and bikers. A full loop around the lake on the very runnable road is 10.6 km, and features some lovely views. You can also just choose a section of the road. There are numerous access points. Just off the 0-20 highway at the southern end of the lake is a bike rental shop, which can be a good start point. At the northern end, adjacent to the Forest, is a parking area at the Vineyard House.
Wikimedia Commons
Add-On: At the northern end of the lake is the 7, 500-acre METU Forest, which has many km of trails that are popular for trail running and mountain biking. Even though it’s called a ‘forest’, much of the area is open and the paths are generally wide with a gravel surface. The forest is part of the 11,000-acre Metu University campus. Note: Hilly! See our route there.
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Essentials
Full perimeter loop is 10.6 km (6.6 miles); Can also just choose a section
Full loop is 116m (383 feet); Metu Forest trails are hillyu
Numerous access points
Numerous access points. Parking lot at Vineyard house at northern end of lake.
Get your heart rate up while enjoying some history and views! A series of stairs lead from Evi Park to Ankara Castle, which is built on a rocky hilltop, offering panoramic city views. Can combine with older, hilly roads in area and/or Gençlik Park, 1.2 km from Evi Park.
Independence Park and 50th Year Park are two parks just south of the old city that are pleasant for running. They can be run standalone or combined. 50th Year Park is particularly scenic, with hilltop views of Ankara and nicely landscaped paths.
Huge area for with lots of running variety. Large university campus has many km of paths. The adjacent 7,500-acre METU Forest is a great spot for hilly trail running. Lake Eymir has a 10.5 km road around its perimeter with great views.
Running along the massive plaza up to the Ataturk Mausoleum is a breathtaking experience. There's a grand, nearly 1 km approach, built on a huge scale. Combine this with other area roads/paths, and a running track across the street.
Central Ankara's largest green space and a nice spot for a run. A loop around the nicely landscaped paths is ~2 km. Longer option: add the adjacent sports complex & running track, Hipodrom Park and paths around the Ataturk Cultural Center.
This man-made park in a sunken valley in south Ankara is a good spot for a longer off-road run. A loop around the park is ~5 km on concrete paths surrounded by trees, landscaping, and a lake. Note: hilly!
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Essentials
Full perimeter loop is 10.6 km (6.6 miles); Can also just choose a section
Full loop is 116m (383 feet); Metu Forest trails are hillyu
Numerous access points
Numerous access points. Parking lot at Vineyard house at northern end of lake.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!