Hiking & outdoor recreationLength1,3 km
The Vanhankoski Nature Trail in Huittinen, by the Loimijoki River, is a diverse and family-friendly nature destination. This easy circular trail of just over one kilometre winds through lush groves and along the riverbank. The area is rich in both plant and bird species. Along the trail, you’ll find rest spots including a lean-to shelter for eight, a campfire site, and an accessible dry toilet.
- Rich natural diversity: Groves, meadows and coniferous forest with varied plants and birdlife.
- Easy, family-friendly trail: A 1.5 km circular route suitable for all ages.
- Fairy-tale feel: Mossy storm-felled trees and a Story Trail with frames bring the forest to life.
- Great rest stops: Lean-to shelter, campfire site, accessible toilet and a bench by Isolampi Pond.
- Easy access: Parking area and information board at the trailhead.
- Sheep and tranquillity: Grazing sheep in summer and chances to spot swans by the lake.
Contact information
Read more about the site
The Vanhankoski Nature Trail in Huittinen runs through a lush grove conservation area. The circular route is approximately 1.5 km long and easy to walk, making it suitable for families and nature lovers alike. The area is rich in both flora and birdlife, with groves, meadows and woodlands that provide habitat for many species.
At the very start of the trail, you’ll find a rest area with a lean-to shelter for eight people, a campfire site, and an accessible dry toilet – please bring your own firewood and toilet paper.
At both the beginning and end of the trail, you’ll cross a fence to enter summer pastures where sheep from the Ihantola farm graze. It's worth making a short detour from the trail's starting point to admire the impressive rapids scenery right next to the archery range.
The route passes through varied terrain, from lush deciduous groves to fragrant coniferous forest. A side trail leads to the shore of Isolampi Pond, where a bench offers a peaceful place to rest and take in the scenery – you may even spot swans gliding on the water.
Along the trail, you can admire nature’s own art: fallen trees left by the 2011 Cyclone Tapani have grown a coat of moss, creating an enchanting fairy-tale forest. Nature information boards along the route share insights about the area’s plants, animals and history.
The trail also features a Story Path inspired by a tale written by Finnish author Jukka Saarinen. Wooden frames next to the story boards allow children and adults alike to view the forest as part of the story’s illustration.
The trail is well-suited for family outings. A parking area with an information board is located at the trailhead.