partridge (Alectoris chukar), grey partridge (Perdix perdix), falcon, pheasant, quail and pigeon (Columbidae) are being bred. Climate The climate in the Soğuksu National Park and its surroundings shows the transient character between the continental climate of the Central Anatolian steppe and the rainy climate of the North Anatolia. Although the annual average temperature in the nearby town of Kızılcahamam is around , it is about less in the national park. Facilities and recreation Due to its relative proximity to the capital, the national park is a popular destination for the residents of Ankara. Only one third of the park area is reserved for public use while the rest is protected natural area. It features a -long trail. An information center, two restaurants, a kiosk are at service in the national park. A 300-bed thermal spa resort in the park is also available for visitors. Further facilities are available such as campsites, picnic tables, fire places, faucets and public toilets, which can meet the needs of about 12,000 visitors. The national park offers opportunities for diverse recreational outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, birdwatching, mountaineering and photo safari. Mountain climbing is performed on the northwestern part of Osmandede Hill. A 2009-built station at the hillside of Kayabeleni Hill offers birdwatching for black vulture, and a bird feeder for black vulture is situated at Yanık Sırtı. "Atatürk Çamı" ("Atatürk's Pine Tree") is a place in the national park with historic value, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) once took a rest. A "Atatürk Day" is held annually on July 18 at this site. Access Soğuksu National Park is accessible west of Kızılcahamam, which is on the state road 750 north of Ankara. Ankara city bus line EGO 527 serves the national park from Ulus, Ankara four times a day. The ride takes around two and half hours. In popular media The Ministry of Forest and Water Management produced a 5-minute documentary film titled "Soğuksu: Bozkırdaki Orman" ("Soğuksu: A Forest in Steppe") about the black vulture and the wildcat living in the national park. The movie found considerable attraction of interest in the social media. References External links Documentary film A Forest in Steppe National parks of Turkey Geography of Ankara Province Landforms of Ankara Province Tourist attractions in Ankara Province Kızılcahamam 1959 establishments in Turkey Protected areas established in 1959 Important Bird Areas of Turkey