Matkalampi Trail, Liperi’s Kinttupolut

On the Matkalampi Trail you enjoy the finest needle trails and varied terrain of Liperi’s Kinttupolut.

One highlight of the route is the Kotisalo nature reserve trails near the lake called Hovatta, where there is also a small bathing pier. This nature reserve, funded by the Nature Heritage Foundation, private people, and companies, is known especially for its ancient pines, among which you can hear a woodpecker tapping dead trees. In a good blueberry season, you will find delicious blueberries by the trail. You can learn more about the Kotisalo nature reserve in the accompanying introduction video here.

The Matkalampi Trail is altogether 16 km long and includes needle trails, ski tracks, cart roads, cobblestone ridges, a few gravel road sections, and a wonderful path along the shore of Sompalampi, where you can find another lean-to of the route.

The Matkalampi Trail is mostly easy to walk except for a few rocky sections.

• On rainy days stones and roots are slippery.
• Small first aid kit

Drive from Joensuu about 13 km along highway 9 towards Kuopio, exit at the Ylämylly intersection and park at the desired parking area.

There is regular bus service from Joensuu to Ylämylly, from where it is less than a kilometer to the Matkalampi Trail.

Check schedules on the Joensuu region public transport website https://jojo.joensuu.fi/.

Free parking at the official route starting points:

• Honkalampi beach, address Honkaranta 2e
• Matkalammentie 1 (next to Sompalampi lean-to)
• Pärnävaara outdoor center, Urheilutie 5A (3-7 km from here to Matkalampi Trail)
• In the center of Ylämylly several additional services and parking spots (shops, restaurants, service stations, cafes)

The Matkalampi Trail is marked on the terrain with blue color. It's easy to follow the route thanks to good guidance, but you can also download the gpx file or print the Kinttupolut route map if you wish. On the terrain, you can easily find your location from guide maps at route intersections. On the gravel road sections (2 x approx. 1.5 km), route markings are sparser, but the branching route is clearly visible.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and equipment
• Enough drinks and snacks
• Tools according to the length of the riding day (e.g., multi-tool, tire repair kit, inner tube)