National hiking areas are versatile areas which have
been equipped for hiking and other recreational use.
The facilities of the hiking areas include marked hiking and skiing trails, nature trails,
camping sites and lean-to shelters. Often there are also a visitor centre or an
outdoor centre and rental cabins. It is usually possible to go fishing or
hunting inside hiking areas. Also services and trails suitable for the disabled
can be found in hiking areas.
There are seven state-owned national hiking areas in Finland which are managed by
Metsähallitus. In addition, Inari Hiking Area in the Northern Lapland and Arctic
Circle Hiking Area have similar services.
Also commercial forestry may be practiced in hiking areas, but in such a way
that the recreational needs are taken into account.
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