From the east of Istanbul to the frontier with Georgia, the Black Sea region promises to erase any preconceived stereotypes you may have about Turkey's natural wonders. Whether you prefer to relax in a local fishing village or journey inland to higher elevations where beautiful mountain pastures lie, the spectacular coastline makes for a scenic route across Turkey to other parts of Anatolia. The eastern Anatolian region, the Mediterranean region north of the Taurus Mountains, also known as the Lakes Region, and the Black Sea region offer beautiful natural resources for backpackers and families to enjoy. Here is a detailed guide to the popular and lesser-known natural heritage of the eastern Black Sea region.Uzungöl Highlands in TrabzonWhen speaking about Trabzon's natural beauty, the most talked-about lake is Uzungöl. Home to highlands of various sizes, Uzungöl Lake sits at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters and is nearly 100 kilometers from the city center. Many tourists are amazed by the region's high hills, refreshing flora and clean air. Covered by spruce trees, the area is ideal for trekking, bird watching and botanical tours. Highland tours to Şekersu, Demirkapı and Yaylaönü are also available. If you intend to spend a few nights in the Uzungöl Highlands to enjoy the atmosphere of the Black Sea, small hotels are good options. After Uzungöl, Sera Lake, 10 kilometers from the city center, is the second in popularity. The lake was formed after heavy precipitation in 1950 when big rock fragments fell and filled certain parts of the valley bottom. A natural park is located near the lake with a diverse range of animals. The Hıdırnebi Plateau in Trabzon's Akçaabat district is another highland that attracts tourists. With its tourism facilities and wooden houses, it is the most preferred vacation spot in the city. While on the plateau, enjoy an incredible view of the Black Sea and - if you are lucky - you may discover festivals on the plateaus during your stay.Ayder Highlands in RizeLocated in the northern province of Rize's Çamlıhemşin district, the Ayder Highlands is one of the most famous highlands, as many local and foreign tourists visit, especially in summer. Renowned for its honey, in Ayder you find friendly, smiling locals and many traditional herbs and foods particular to the region. Newly built roads make reaching the highlands easy, as the number of tourists visiting the area increases by the day. However, infrastructure development - important for promoting the highlands as a tourist destination - could eventually result in the loss of pristine beauty due to over-visiting. Ayder Highlands is renowned for the incredible taste of its honey, so the highlands feast mainly revolves around the theme of honey, as many traditional activities take place, such as dances and the preparation of traditional foods. The feast is held the first weekend in August, and if you intend to see the amazing landscape and enjoy traditional activities, you should hurry to book your place to stay in one of the cottages there. The activities are all about Black Sea traditions and the language is mostly Turkish, but the main reason for attending the festival is to feel the atmosphere that instantly grabs you. Do not forget to buy Ayder water (sold in plastic bottles), which has an incredible taste and cures many illnesses. Visit the Ayder waterfalls and thermals and take advantage of the many trekking facilities. Ayder is a dream that all of us want to escape to when the rush of daily life becomes tiresome. For those planning to visit, Kuspuni Hotel and Haşimoğlu Hotel are among the best places to stay with their wooden houses and high quality service.Another destination for trekking buffs is the Verçenik Highland that surrounds lakes in Rize's Çamlıhemşin district. Similarly, the highlands and lakes in the Kaçkar Mountains are becoming increasingly popular. A number of lakes are located on Verçenik Mountain, and Buzlu Göl (Icy Lake), Adalı Göl (Lake with an Island), Karagöller (Dark Lakes), Kapılıgöller, Atmeydanı, Tatos, Sarinçof and Çermeşk Lakes are among the most well known natural wonders here. More than 100 waterfalls and lakes are in Rize, with the ice lakes, located at an altitude of 3,000 meters, drawing great interest.Yusufeli Highlands in ArtvinThe easternmost province of Artvin has a special place in the hearts of those who love visiting highlands or in love with greenery, since it is one of the few places where you will see pristine nature in all its untouched beauty. Highlands surround nearly half of Artvin, and the Yusufeli Highlands have many fantastic views, such as a beautiful view of the Kaçkar Mountains, and long-lasting festivals mostly based on sporting activities. Trekking is among the most popular sports activities since it has 17 different trekking routes. It is believed that the climate of the highlands can cure illnesses that metropolitan life brings, such as migraines, stress or depression. Trekking tours generally last 11 days, but there are also alternative routes. The festival on Aug. 9 on Mount Pancar offers visitors opportunities to engage in sporting activities and learn traditional Black Sea dances. You will fall in love with the friendly atmosphere and smiling locals during your stay. Each province and highland offers a different natural beauty in the Black Sea region, but when it comes to Artvin, nature shows itself to you in its purest form. Home to nearly 45 species of butterflies, Artvin is one of the richest regions in terms of fauna and flora, drawing the attention of many nature tourists eager to photograph what the province has to offer. Kaçkar Pension and Almatur Hotel are among the many fine accommodation options in the Yusufeli region.Gölyanı Highlands in GiresunThe province of Giresun in the eastern Black Sea region is described by locals as the place where green meets blue. A former ancient Roman city, it is home to numerous historic sites sure to marvel guests. Lying within the village of Yeşilpınar, the Gölyanı Highland has a lake that offers an authentic view with wooden houses. At an altitude of 1,530 meters, the lake is surrounded by yellow and purple flowers in summer. On the other side, the crater lakes of Karagöl (Dark Lake), Sağrak and Aygır are surrounded by snow nearly year-round and work is ongoing to open the lakes to tourism. Situated in a dense forest surrounded by hazelnut gardens, Giresun lies on a peninsula between the Aksu and Batlama valleys and is crowned with a ruined Byzantine fortress.