Its two sources arise in the Taurus Mountains—the northern in the Geyik Mountains and the southern in the Haydar Mountains—and meet south of Mut.

The Göksu Delta, including Akgöl Lake and Paradeniz Lagoon, is one of the most important breeding areas in the Near East; over 300 bird species have been observed.

Due to demand for summer vacation apartments by the locals, and since necessary precautions are not taken and public attention is minimal in this part of Turkey, the ecosystem around Akgöl Lake and Paradeniz Lagoon is in heavy danger.

In 1190, while on the Third Crusade, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowned in the river, then known as the Saleph and located within the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

According to some sources, the emperor was lost in the current when he tried to cross the water near Silifke; other chronicles report he wished to cool down from the heat of the day and suffered a heart attack while taking a bath.