Leaving Erzurum, the ride immediately commits you to altitude and space. A fuel stop shortly after departure is a smart move, as the road ahead climbs steadily into remote mountain terrain where services thin out quickly. The first highlight comes at Gölyurt Geçidi, sitting at roughly 2,380 meters, the highest point of the day if Ovit Pass itself is not crossed. The air feels sharper here, the views wider and the sense of isolation unmistakable.
This is pure eastern Anatolia: raw, open and unapologetically mountainous.

Descending from the pass, the landscape softens slightly but remains dramatic. Before Dereköy, an open roadside space beside Çokcor creek offers a natural photo stop. Flowing water, green slopes, and the sound of wind through grass make this a quiet but memorable pause. The road continues to unwind toward the Black Sea side, and before reaching Of, a gas station provides a convenient stop for coffee or a light lunch, marking the transition from high mountains to greener, more humid terrain.

After Of, the scenery shifts again. Tea fields begin to appear on the hillsides, their deep green rows signaling your entry into the Black Sea region. From here, the climb toward Uzungöl is lush and atmospheric. Dense forests close in, mist drifts through the valley, and the temperature drops noticeably.
Uzungöl Lake sits cradled in a narrow mountain bowl, a stark contrast to the dry interior you left behind. Formed by a landslide dam, the lake is ringed by wooden houses and steep slopes. It’s an ideal lunch stop, and the fact that you can ride a full loop around the lake by motorcycle makes it even more rewarding.

The return follows the same road back to Of, before turning west toward Trabzon, riding with the Black Sea on your right, its dark waters stretching endlessly beside the road. Arrival in the city feels busy after the peace of the mountains.

This route offers meaningful options. After Deliktaş, adventurous riders can turn left for a demanding alternative: around 140 km, with roughly 35 km of off-road, following D050 and then D915 via Değirmencik to Uzungöl. It’s slower, rougher, and far more immersive. The main route choice, however, lies at Ovit. The Ovit Tunnel, at 14.3 km, bypasses the exposed 2,640m Ovit Pass (Ovit Dağı), ensuring year round passage. Riders who prefer altitude and exposure can skip the tunnel and climb to the summit instead, trading comfort for conquest.

The landscape character is predominantly mountain transitioning to lush alpine valleys and finally coastal scenery near Trabzon. Road character ranges from fast mountain asphalt to tight forested climbs, with optional off-road sections for those who want more challenge.

After hotel check-in at Anemon Hotel Trabzon, the city rewards exploration.
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, Atatürk Mansion, Boztepe Hill for sunset views, the Trabzon Square Park and the historic castle offer depth beyond the ride.
The harbor and seaside promenade provide a calmer evening contrast.