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The Rize Firtina River is interesting not only for the arched bridges spanning it and the tea plantations lining the banks, but also for the traditional costumes of the local people.
Formed by a number of streams on the Black Sea Side of Kackar Mountains, the Firtina runs 57 km through lush countryside, eventually reaching the Black Sea about 2 km west of Ardesen, Rize.
The arched stone bridges crossing the water add to the beauty of the Firtina, which is recommended for river sports along the following course.
Course
The town of Camlihemsin is 22 km south of the Rize-Ardesen road. The course begins around 1 km south of Camlihemsin. Paddlers should be cautious of boulders at 5 km, and dangerous passages at 7 km, 8 km and 9 km, and the attractive Duygulu Falls are on the western slope at 12 km. The course finishes at any convenient point before the Firtina reaches the Black Sea.
The 23km long course is very rocky, rating a hardship degree of 3-4-5 in places, depending on the speed of the water. Extra caution is required during heavy rains. The Firtina is recommended for river sports all year round.
What to See
Firtina River, located in the province of Rize, runs through a setting of lush greenery and majestic mountains, offering exciting rafting and canoeing as well as a look at the historical and cultural wealth of the area.
The area is well-known for its yayla, or high mountain pastures used as summer residences and grazing grounds by the locals. The festivities surrounding the departure for and arrival at the yayla, a tradition kept alive by local people, are particularly interesting. The most important yaylas in the area are Ayder, renowned for its waterfall and recently opened hot spring spa, as well as Lower and Upper Kavron, Elevit and Trovit.
Twelve km south of Camlihemsin, the citadel of Zilkale, situated on the rocky peak, has a perimeter of 400 m with eight towers and a watch tower.
Those who come to this area for river sports can also go trekking on the Kackar Mountains.
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