Connecting Route, Liperi Kinttupolut

The Connecting Route of Liperi Kinttupolut connects the Kinttupolut and Lykynpolut trail networks as well as other Joensuu region trails into one trail network entity. The route starts in the direction of Pärnävaara near the Pieni Heinälammi lean-to, where Surmilampi Trail, Heinälampi Trail and the Connecting Route meet. The Connecting Route mainly runs along sandy roads and sandy terrain tracks.

Along the way, there are several information boards where you can check your location and direction towards Lykynpolut or Jaama Trail. The route marking color is purple. The same trail is also shared at the beginning by Surmilampi Trail (turquoise marking), in the middle by Mertalampi Trail (yellow marking) and at the end by Jaama Trail (orange marking). Towards Lykynlampi, you can also choose alternative routes via Kinttupolut and Lykynpolut.

From the Connecting Route, you can also reach other Joensuu region trails via Jaama Trail. This consistently marked and easy to navigate trail network is almost 200 km long.

Joensuu region trails (map)

Liperi Kinttupolut (map)

Lykynpolut (map)

• Beware of road crossings
• Small first aid kit
• 112 app downloaded to your phone

Western end of the Connecting Route: Drive about 10 km from Joensuu along highway 9 towards Kuopio, exit at junction 21, then follow the signs to Pärnävaara sports center. Via Liperi Kinttupolut you reach the start of the Connecting Route.

Eastern end of the Connecting Route: Drive about 4 km from Joensuu along highway 9 towards Kuopio, exit at junction 23 and follow the signs to Lykynlampi at the Lykynlampi outdoor area. 

The easiest access to the Connecting Route is from its eastern end, located in front of the Lykynlampi outdoor cabin. There is regular bus service to Lykynlampi.

Starting from the western end, the best starting point is Pärnävaara sports center (Urheilutie 5A, Ylämylly), from where you can reach the start of the Connecting Route via other Kinttupolut routes (about 3-4 km).

The nearest bus stop to Pärnävaara sports center is Jyrinlenkki 1, from which there is about a 900-meter walk along the road to the sports center.
Check schedules at https://jojo.joensuu.fi/.

Free parking spaces.

The route starts near the Pieni Heinälammi lean-to, at the place where Surmilampi Trail, Heinälampi Trail and the Connecting Route meet. Follow the route marked with purple signs towards Lykynlampi. The route travels along forest sandy roads and terrain tracks. Just before the halfway point, there is an asphalt road crossing, where you should be careful. After this, the trail becomes narrower and the route passes for a while beside Joensuu airport. Another road crossing and along ski trail bases towards Lykynlampi.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and equipment
• Enough drinks and snacks