Mountain Bike
|Joensuu
Mertalampi Trail, Lykynpolut
The Mertalampi Trail runs through rolling terrain around the crystal-clear Mertalampi. The circular route is based on a wide, easy-to-walk, and partly path-like fitness trail.
Description
The starting point of the 4 km long and yellow-marked Mertalampi Trail is about 2 km from the Lykynlampi outdoor lodge. You can easily find the beginning of the route by following the violet signs of the Yhdysreitti.
Compared to other narrow needle trails in the area, the base of Mertalampi Trail is a wide and clear fitness trail. In winter, the route is used by skiers.
The terrain is rolling, mostly suitable for beginners to ride. Signs along the route warn winter skiers of dangerous descents.
The southern half of the Mertalampi Trail runs in the same direction as the Yhdysreitti leading to Liperi’s Kinttupolut. At intersections, it's good to be alert not to unintentionally leave Lykynpolut for Liperi.
The Lykynlampi outdoor center is situated around the small Lykynlampi lake. The Lykynlampi route network includes four marked routes, one of which is accessible. The Lykynpolut offer trail experiences for mountain bikers of all levels.
Jaama Trail and the Yhdysreitti starting from Lykynlampi outdoor lodge connect Lykynpolut to a network in the Joensuu region with over 200 km of marked routes: Utranharju’s Harjunpolut, Liperi’s Kinttupolut, and Kontiolahti’s Kontionpolut route network. From Kontiolahti’s routes, you can continue along Kolinpolku all the way to Koli.
Location & Parking
Lykynlampi is easy to reach by bike, car, bus, and plane. By car, drive from Joensuu on Kuopiontie (Highway 9) about 5 km and turn off at the interchange towards Onttola (there is also a small Lykynlampi sign). Follow Onttolantie for about 5 km, then turn right following Lykynlampi signs. The airport is only 3 km from Lykynlampi.
Directions
The Mertalampi Trail is located on the edge of the Lykynpolut route network. The nearest parking is at the Lykynlampi ski lodge (Onttolantie 94). You can reach the starting point of the Mertalampi Trail by following the Yhdysreitti (purple sign color) heading towards Pärnävaara, which is just over 2 km from the outdoor lodge. The Mertalampi Trail's sign color is bright yellow; the route is bi-directional, but the recommended direction is counterclockwise. The route is well marked with paint on trees and poles. Additionally, at intersections, there are brown arrows guiding in the right direction.
There are a few cottage road crossings on the route, which should be crossed with caution.