Elk´s Beard Trail | Ruunaa South

Welcome to an exploratory trip to the Ruunaa rapids and the wildest part of Lieksa. Today, the water is flowing swiftly and the ground is firm. This route is dedicated to the antlered inhabitants of the wilderness. In folklore, the word has a somewhat mystical connotation, referring to male elk, roe deer and other ‘crowned’ creatures of the forest. You may not necessarily spot a single one on this route, but you’re sure to pass very close by!

Highlights along the route:

• Haapavitja rapids and suspension bridge (4 km)
• Kätkäläinen airfield (49.5 km)
• Särkkäjoki esker trail (52 km)
• Siikakoski rapids and suspension bridge (79 km)
• Neitikoski rapids (93 km)

The route is quite demanding due to its length and the rather long sections of trail at the start and end; difficulty rating 4/5. The total ascent is 923 metres, which is perfectly average. The route is rideable from May to October, with the best conditions from early June to around mid-September.

Navigation: Digital route guidance via GPX trackfile; no route markings in the terrain.

Length 93.1 km

Elevation gain 923 m

Gravel track 84.5 km

Asphalt 5.1 km

Trail 3.5 km

Network connection: The route is partly close to the eastern border and in very remote places, network connection may not work everywhere - you can always call for help by calling 112 or via the 112 app.

Drive north from Joensuu on Highway 6 towards Kontiolahti and Kajaani. At the Uuro junction, turn onto Main Road 73 towards Lieksa and Nurmes. Continue along Main Road 73 via Eno, Uimaharju and Ahveninen to Lieksa. The route starts at the junction of Neitikoskentie and Paasikoskentie, near the Ruunaa hiking centre and the Neitikoski car park. There is no public transport to the site. You can park your car in the adjacent Neitikoski car park. Parking in Lieksa is free of charge.

This route is designed as a full-day excursion and is demanding in terms of length. The day starts at Neitikoski area in Ruunaa and initially heads east toward the Haapavitja rapids. Highlights include two rapids crossings and the final scenic stages on the Ruunaa trails and Neitikoski rapids.

Point 1: Haapavitja Crossing Hazards. After 3.5 kilometers, turn onto a small and bumpy path. Just before the bank of the rapids, there is a steep, rocky descent. A wooden suspension bridge crosses the Haapavitja. The bridge is technically navigable, but it is recommended to walk the bike across its edge. Immediately after the bridge, there is a dangerous rocky path for several dozen meters where carrying the bicycle is necessary. Following this, the path continues but is navigable.

Point 2: Siikakoski Crossing Hazards. At 78.5 kilometers, the road ends at a turning point and continues as a wide, rocky path. Be prepared to carry the bicycle over this section. After about half a kilometer, the route reaches Siikakoski, which is crossed via a suspension bridge. After the rapids, the route continues for more than half a kilometer on a difficult path.

Point 3: Final Path with Guardrails. At about 87.5 kilometers, the road ends at a turning point and transitions into a path. This segment is about 1.5 kilometers long, featuring a rocky path and guardrails. Carry the bicycle over any dangerous sections.

Point 4: Neitikoski Boardwalk Finish. The route concludes at Neitikoski, where it joins a wide, wooden walking path (boardwalk). This path is easy to ride but can be slippery when wet. Be advised that there are typically many pedestrians on this final section.

Recommended equipment: Gravel or mountain bike, minimum tire width 35 mm. The route has been tested with 40 mm tires.

Demanding - good fitness is essential and prior training is recommended.