Central Çorum's Nature Breaks: Bahabey Grove, Sağmaca and Gölün Yazı
Çorum’s central district may not have anything on the scale of Sıklık Nature Park, but it holds three worthwhile nature spots of its own: Bahabey, the pine grove closest to the city centre; the Sağmaca spring and trout facilities in Kuşsaray village; and the Gölün Yazı Wetland, notable for birdwatching.
Bahabey Grove
Officially known as Bahabey Nature Park, this pine grove sits just 2 km from the city centre and was opened in 1960 by the Çorum Forest Management Directorate — one of the city’s oldest planted picnic areas. In 2017 a further 170 dönüm east of the grove was converted into picnic grounds. In August 2023, under a protocol signed between Çorum Municipality and the Eastern Black Sea Project (DOKAP), the site received an eco-tourism investment with 70% grant funding: barbecue stands and picnic tables were installed, with plans for a botanical garden, trekking, mountain biking and farm-tourism activities. Visitor reviews mention picnic and children’s play areas as well as fitness stations on site.
Sağmaca Suyu
South of Kuşsaray village, at the foot of the hills, lies Sağmaca — a spring that, according to the village’s own promotional materials, was once powerful enough to turn the village’s mills. Today the area is known for the Sağmaca Trout and Meat Facilities built around it, located about 12 km from central Çorum and 2 km from Kuşsaray village, on a roughly 15-dönüm site set amid nature. Having changed hands a few times over the years, the facility was last renovated and reopened in 2020, and today serves as both a trout restaurant and a recreation area.
Gölün Yazı Wetland
Located in Kırkdilim, within the central district, on the Çorum-Laçin-Osmancık highway about 18-20 km from the city centre, Gölün Yazı (also referred to in some sources as Gölünyazı/Eymir Lake) is, per the Turkey Culture Portal, a wetland that serves as a bird migration and breeding ground and supports rich wildlife. Wetlands of this kind perform ecological functions such as regulating the local water cycle, moderating climate, and improving water quality by trapping sediment and pollutants — but the same source notes the site is threatened by agricultural drainage efforts. Indeed, in 2021 local media (Hitit TV) reported under the headline “Gölün Yazı has dried up in Çorum” that drought had affected this “bird paradise” — since its water levels can vary by season, it is worth checking current conditions before visiting.
Visiting
Thanks to their proximity to the city centre, these three spots offer a quieter day-trip alternative to Sıklık and Çatak nature parks. For other picnic options in the city, see our Picnic and Recreation Areas in Çorum page.