Hiking Trails
There are two Nature Trails in the National Park, where you can find out
about the forest ecosystems of the area.
Starting Points for Trails
Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail is in the south-east part of the Park, in
Selkälahti area. The trail is on the mainland, so it is easily accessible also
by car. Coming from Enonkoski, the trail is about 8 km after the ferry at
Hanhivirta. From the sign “Nahkiaissalon luontopolku” (=Nahkiaissalo Nature
Trail) it is a couple of kilometres to the parking area, which is the starting
and ending point of the trail. Boaters can start the trail from the camping site
at Lohilahti Bay.
Before “Nahkiaissalon luontopolku” sign there is a blue sign “Koloveden
kansallispuisto” (=Kolovesi National Park), about 3,5 km after the Hanhivirta
ferry. If you turn there, you will end up at Käkövesi boat launching place.
Mäntysalo Nature Trail is in the northern end of Mäntysalo Island. The
starting point of the trail, and the mooring place are on the shore of Mäntysalo
Island opposite the northern end of Pitkäsaari Island. Because of its location,
the Nature Trail is also accessible to motor boaters.
Nature Trails
Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail, 3,3 km, is in difficult
terrain. The trail is marked with white triangles. On this trail you can learn
about old-growth forests and their flora and fauna. The terrain changes
from steep slopes to damp hollows. This circular trail takes about 2 hours.
- Services: At Lohilahti Bay camping site there are a campfire site, a dry
toilet, and a place where it is possible to swim in the lake.
- Sights: Before and after the camping site at Lohilahti Bay, there are
places with beautiful scenery. Also by the side of the trail there is an
impression where a tar-burning pit used to be.
- Mäntysalo Nature Trail, 3,8 km, is in really difficult
and varied terrain. The trail is marked with white triangles. When after the
short section in the beginning the trail is separated into two, it is
recommended to choose the path on the left hand side. From the trail it is
possible to admire the forests of Kolovesi, which vary from old-growth
mixed-wood forests in their natural state to cultivated forests. It is
advisable to have at least 2 hours for hiking this trail.
- Services and sights: There are two places where hikers can stop for a
break and to look at the beautiful lake scenery. When hiking to the
direction recommended, the first one of these place is at about half
way.
Canoeing Routes
Inside the National Park there is a part of the longer Norppareitti (“Seal
Trail”) (www.karttaikkuna.fi), of which “Norppataival” section covers the
circular route of Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks (7 - 10
days).
