Length8 km
Duration(2-3 hours)
The trail is easy to walk. The terrain consists of flat pine heath forest, and duckboards cover the wetland sections. The Mäntyjärvi circular trail shares the first one kilometre with the Iso-Valkeinen trail, up to the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter. At the northern tip of Lake Mäntyjärvi, a connecting trail leads to Hiidenportti National Park. The trail includes a recreational fishing area and various hiking structures.
- Route marker in the terrain
- Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
- Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
- Camping permittedThe only lean-to shelter in the area is located on the shore of Lake Mäntyjärvi. Camping is recommended near the shelter.
- Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
- Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
- Water pointThere is a well at the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter. The water should be boiled for a few minutes or filtered before drinking.
- No winter maintenance
Contact information
The easiest starting point is the Iso-Valkeinen information point. Trail markers are orange circles on signposts. The suggested hiking time is 2 to 3 hours.
The Mäntyjärvi circular trail shares the first one kilometre with the Iso-Valkeinen trail, up to the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter. The lean-to shelter is located on a ridge above a long and beautiful sandy beach. The recommended direction is counterclockwise, so after the shelter the trail continues along the eastern shore of Lake Mäntyjärvi.
As the trail continues through pine forest, there are occasional views of the lake. Several wooden bridges along the trail offer scenic lake vistas. At the northern tip of Mäntyjärvi, the connecting trail branches off toward Hiidenportti National Park (see the description below).
The circular trail then follows the western shoreline of Mäntyjärvi, crossing a narrow isthmus between Lake Peurajärvi and Lake Mäntyjärvi, and returns to the Iso-Valkeinen trailhead and information board.
Connecting trail to Hiidenportti National Park: At the northern tip of Lake Mäntyjärvi, a 2 km connecting trail leads to the boundary of Hiidenportti National Park. It joins the Käärmesärkkä parking area, which is located along the Kuhmo–Valtimo road (no. 5284). From there, a marked trail continues into the national park and follows the Porttijoki River. The distance from the parking area to the dramatic Porttijoki gorge in the heart of the park is approximately 10 km.