Tapion taival 20 km

Along the route there are two wilderness huts, a lean-to shelter, and a campfire site, all located in the southern half of the route. One interesting destination is Pirhunvaara, where the trail passes through an old forestry station. The station is currently used for research, but the signs tell of a colorful history that included smuggling.

When starting the journey from the south, you travel through the Ruosmesuo and Hanhisuo mire protection areas, although the scenery is dominated mostly by the dark flowing Koitajoki River. Movement in the area is freer up to Polvikoski, but in the Koivusuo nature park you must not deviate from the marked route. This is due to the nature parks being preserved in their natural state for research and nature conservation.

The route is narrow and partly rooty, so walking can be challenging at times. The elevation differences are however minimal. During the spring flood between Niemipuro and Polvikoski, it is advisable to use alternative trails that run a little west along the riverbank. You can start the route from either the Lakonkangas or Hoikantie parking areas, Polvikoski also serves as a starting point. There is no winter maintenance on the route, and mobile network coverage is weak.

Starting and parking places 1) Pirhuntie 55, Ilomantsi, 2) Polvikoskentie 92, Ilomantsi, 3) Lakonkangas, Ilomantsi.

This route tip is a linear route from north to south. It can also be done back and forth, doubling the distance. There are parallel trails in some places, which are visible on the maps.

Along the route, there are fairly good signs on the terrain and painted dots on the trees, but the maps are worn in places, so it is recommended to either download a basic map of the area to your smartphone, buy a paper topographic map, or print a topographic map with sufficient accuracy.