Juukaharju 13 km

The round-trip route is about 13 kilometers long when you set out from Lake Iso-Karhu and make a detour to the tiny wilderness cabin in the primeval forest along the Keihäsjoki River. From the cabin, you can also continue on for about 5 kilometers through the old-growth forest conservation area toward the Petäinen rental cabin.

To reach the starting point of the route at Iso-Karhu, drive from the roundabout in downtown Juuka first about 5 kilometers toward Juankoski, and then along Maaseläntie for about 9 kilometers to Lake Iso-Karhu, where the running route begins at the parking area.

Free parking at Lake Iso-Karhu, where the trail begins.

The round-trip route is about 13 kilometers long if you start at Lake Iso-Karhu and turn around at the tiny wilderness cabin in the primeval forest along the Keihäsjoki River. From the cabin, you can also continue on for about 5 kilometers through the old-growth forest preserve toward the Petäinen rental cabin.

Along the trail, you’ll find old-growth forest, bogs, and small, enchanting ponds. One of the highlights of the route is the “mother tree”—a beautifully weathered tree that has stood tall for hundreds of years, witnessed countless travelers, and developed a unique, gnarled form.

Especially in the spring and fall, the bogs and ponds are prime spots for birdwatching. While resting your feet at the Keihäsjoki wilderness hut, you can keep an eye out for dippers in the stream. On the darkening evenings of late summer, the ridge trail is a great place to spot bats. In late fall, you can find cranberries in the marsh.

The trail is also suitable for biking. Runners’ socks may get wet at the Särkkälammi stream on the north side of the trail, especially in spring and fall. On a hot summer day, the sandy beach of Lake Ala-Ruokonen is a great place to cool off your feet. You can even wade out to the small island off the point.

To reach the trail’s starting point at Iso-Karhu, drive from the Juuka town center roundabout first about 5 kilometers toward Juankoski, then along Maaseläntie for about 9 kilometers to Lake Iso-Karhu, where the running route starts from the parking area.