Puolanka Hiking Trails

Kalastuspolku – the Fishing Path – is about a 6 km hiking loop in Paljakka, Puolanka, in the Kainuu region: easy, well-marked walking through resort edges and old-growth forest beside Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve. For route descriptions, reminders to stay on marked trails, and links to PDF and digital maps, start with the Paljakka holiday resort’s Hiking and trekking overview(1). The City of Puolanka’s Paljakka page highlights how summer trails reach toward ancient forest and the strict reserve that is unusually open to visitors(2). From the loop start near the centre you soon pass Paljakkatalo and the caravan area, then Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka, Paljakka frisbeegolf, and Hiihtokeskus Paljakka – the main downhill and services cluster. About 4.3 km into the circuit, Rakennusjärven kota offers a wood-fire kota stop on Lake Rakennusjärvi’s shore. Nearing the last kilometre you pass Lake Resort Paljakan avantouintipaikka and Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna above the water. The route threads the same recreational fabric as Talvinen fatbike- ja monikäyttöura and connects into Hepovaaran maastopyöräilyreitit - Paljakka - Puolanka for anyone combining summer hiking with bike loops later. Murphy’s Paljakka spring write-up on Holjander quotes Paljakka’s route blurb: travel along Louhenjoki through old meadow landscapes, turn after Neulakoski toward Rakennusjärvi, then climb back toward the centre, with a note that families with very small children should treat the length and elevation gently(3). The author adds that markings felt clear on the ground, a reminder that UKK-route signage is shared in places(3).

Devil's Church loop (Pirunkirkko) is about 1.3 km around Louhenjoki gorge near Paljakka in Puolanka, Kainuu. Metsähallitus describes the compact Pirunkirkko protected forest—roughly 74 hectares next to Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve—on Luontoon.fi as an easy day-trip target where Louhenjoki runs through a rocky canyon and the “devil's pulpit” rock formation draws the eye(1). For the most up-to-date route notes, service locations, and rules, start from that Pirunkirkon suojelumetsä article on Luontoon.fi(1). Puolanka sits in wooded hill country; Paljakka’s ski and hiking networks start a few kilometres away. From the Holstintie trailhead area you soon pass Pirunkirkko päivätupa and maintenance points with firewood storage and a dry toilet—handy before you drop toward the river(1). About half a kilometre into the loop, Pirunkirkko is the gorge and boulder scene above Louhenjoki; banks are gravelly and steep in places with no guard rails, so keep back from slippery slopes and supervise children(1)(3). After exploring the canyon, the loop returns to Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka. The same trailhead area is shared with Ilveskierros and ties into longer hiking: UKK-reitti Paljakka, Köngäskierros Puolanka, and Paljakan luonnonpuiston polku all intersect this corner of the network(1). In summer, Jukka Eskelinen’s VaaraKainuu notes highlight lichen-rich old spruce forest on the way in and the drama of the steep gorge—worth a slow look at the rock benches(2). Luontoon.fi states the path is easy going overall, with bridges and duckboards in wet or steep spots, but sturdy footwear is still wise near the gorge rim(1). Out in the Nature recorded a rougher, rockier final approach after storm damage and rerouting; if the ground is wet or icy, extra care near the river makes sense(3). Winter skiers on Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka also pass Pirunkirkko on maintained tracks, giving another seasonal perspective(1).

For PDF trail maps, digital route maps, and electronic route guides, start with the Paljakka holiday resort hiking and trekking pages(1). Discovering Finland’s Paljakka and Wild Taiga article notes how the 10 km Maisemareitti climbs onto the fells for views over the forest(2). VaaraKainuu names the same route among Paljakka’s most popular hikes and notes that route marking keeps navigation easy(3). Maisemareitti is about 10.4 km as a loop through Paljakka in Puolanka, Kainuu. Trails here start from the heart of the holiday area, so you can walk straight from services without a shuttle(1). The loop threads hill-and-forest scenery typical of Vaara Kainuu. Early on you pass near Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna; about three kilometres along you reach Teeriharjun laavu for a fire and a break in the trees. Closer to the ski centre end of the loop you pass Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakka frisbeegolf, Paljakkatalo, and Paljakka Caravan-alue—handy landmarks if you are meeting someone or heading for rentals and eateries. The Paljakka trail network ties into other marked lines nearby. Talvinen fatbike- ja monikäyttöura, Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka, and Latvavaaran maastopyöräilyreitti Paljakka - Puolanka share the same hub; longer outings such as Ilveskierros and the Köngäskierros trek are described on the resort pages for walkers who want a bigger day(1). Metsähallitus publishes separate marked nature-trail services inside Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve for visitors who want the reserve-specific route and rules; that is a different product from this resort-hosted loop. Puolanka is the municipality around Paljakka, and Kainuu is the wider region.

Hepoköngäs Geological Nature Trail is about 1.8 km as one loop on the Hepokönkää waterfall site in Puolanka, Kainuu. You get the most reliable route description and visitor guidance on Luontoon.fi(1). Independent walkers have mapped the visit so you know what to expect at the viewpoints and how the geological loop branches from the main falls path(2). Muurahaisten poluilla adds practical colour: the geological loop feels quieter than the wide approach to the falls, follows Heinijoki on duckboards and forest path, and can feel damp and slippery on the boards after rain or in spring ice melt(3). The City of Puolanka describes a 13 km marked bike and walking link from the church village to the Hepokönkää car park that ties into this geological loop for a longer day(4). Most people build the stop around Hepoköngäs waterfall,, one of Finland’s best-known natural falls on Heinijoki. Right at the brink you can use Hepoköngäs puolikota for a break, and accessible toilets are available in the same clifftop area before you commit to the steeper riverside parts of the geological loop. The separate Accessible trail to Hepokönkää waterfall is about 0.6 km and stays on a wide, gentle surface to viewing platforms; the geological nature trail is not billed as barrier-free and uses stairs and narrower duckboards along the river(3). After roughly 0.2 km from the loop start you are beside the falls; the red-marked continuation drops to Heinijoki, runs along the bank on boardwalks and small paths, climbs back onto the rocky rim, crosses a short mire section, and returns to Hepokönkään parkkiapaikka(3). About ten geology and nature boards line the loop, and there is a viewpoint terrace toward the end of the circuit(3). Kiiminkijoen melontareitti passes the same waterfall from the river, if you arrive by packraft or kayak elsewhere on the river system. If you are already walking UKK Trail – Puolanka section, the long-distance path meets this hub at the falls; many visitors add only the wide approach to the lookout and skip the extra kilometre along the river, which keeps foot traffic on the geological loop light(2)(3).

Ilveskierros—the Lynx Tour—is a day hike in the Paljakka holiday area in Puolanka, Kainuu. The trail is about 12 km and skirts the edge of the Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve, passing old-growth forest, the Louhenjoki river valley, and the Pirunkirkko protected forest with the Louhenjoki rock gorge(1). For the fullest trail description and the latest management information, start from the Ilveskierros page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Puolanka’s outdoor pages list Ilveskierros among Paljakka’s longer hikes and describe Pirunkirkko’s short side path to the Louhenjoki canyon, plus how the 6.5 km strict-reserve ring (Luonnonpuiston polku) begins from Ilveskota(2). Paljakka holiday resort’s hiking and trekking pages group Ilveskierros with other signature routes from the centre of the resort, with PDF maps and digital route guides(3). From the Paljakka resort cluster you quickly pass facilities such as Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakkatalo, Paljakka Caravan-alue, and Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna, and you can use Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka if you start from the main ski-centre parking. The route shares ground with lit ski tracks and winter multi-use routes near the start, then climbs toward Latvavaara-style fell views. About 3 km along, Pirunkirkko päivätupa and Pirunkirkon pysäköintipaikka / Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka sit beside the Pirunkirkko gorge area—take care on steep or slippery rock sections after wet weather. Roughly 6 km in, Ilveskota kota, Ilveskota tulentekopaikka, and the Ilveskota dry toilet make a natural lunch stop; from here you can link mentally to the strict-nature-reserve ring described on the municipality page. Löytöjärvi päivätupa, Löytöjärvi tulentekopaikka, and firewood points follow on the Löytöjärvi shore cluster. Rakennusjärven kota lies near the early resort end of the circuit. Along the way you can branch in planning to the Paljakka section of the UKK Trail, Paljakan ladut, the winter fatbike multi-use route, or Hepovaaran kuntopolku where those networks touch the same hub. Independent walkers on Puolangan kameraseura’s Paljakka trails photo story found yellow paint used for Ilveskierros markings (with a different colour for Paljakkapolku), highlighted duckboards that can be slick when wet, and praised Löytöjärvi day hut as a rest point—worth a look for on-the-ground photos and pacing notes(4).

The Paljakka Nature Reserve Trail is about 8.9 km as one hiking segment in Puolanka in the Kainuu region, running through Paljakan luonnonpuisto, a strict nature reserve managed by Metsähallitus. For maps, rules, and the latest official guidance on the reserve, start with the Paljakan luonnonpuisto hiking and outdoor section on Luontoon.fi(1). The Paljakka destination hiking pages summarize how this route fits into the wider Paljakka–Puolanka trail network and link to PDF maps and digital route guides(2). Ecologically, the Paljakka ja Latvavaara Natura site description outlines old-growth boreal forest, a fine-grained mire mosaic, fern-rich spruce stands on steep slopes and stream gullies, and species such as flying squirrel and otter on the Paljakka side of the SAC(3). In practice the line begins from the Pirunkirkko trailhead cluster, where Pirunkirkon pysäköintipaikka and Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka give room for cars and Pirunkirkko päivätupa offers a day-use shelter before you climb down toward Pirunkirkko, the steep-sided gorge cut by Louhenjoki. From there the route continues into the reserve; about 2.8 km from the mapped start you reach Ilveskota kota with Ilveskota tulentekopaikka and a dry toilet nearby—dry toilets are placed so you can plan a longer break without naming each structure in turn. Further along, Paljakka Swamp sits on open bog and mire ground typical of the Paljakka uplands. The same trailhead also ties into other marked hiking lines such as Pirunkirkko, UKK-reitti Paljakka, Ilveskierros, and Köngäskierros Puolanka, and winter ski routing such as Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka shares overlapping waymarks in places—use the official maps to choose a combination that matches your day(1)(2). Expect natural forest and bog footpaths with duckboards on wet sections, moderate ups and downs toward forested hills inside the reserve, and quiet bird habitat where older spruce and pine forest dominates. Some commercial listings round the distance differently or describe a compact loop variant; treat about 8.9 km as the mapped hiking segment here and check the resort PDFs if you stitch in extra spurs(2).

The trail is about 6.7 km in Puolanka, on the north side of Siikavaara strict nature reserve. It tours the cliff and boulder slopes of Kometon kalliojyrkänne and returns you to the Siikajärvi trailhead. The City of Puolanka outdoor hub lists this circuit beside the wider Paljakka–Puolanka trail network and links the printable Kometon sheet for maps and access notes(1). Retkipaikka’s 2025 hiking report by Luontopolkumies spells out how the red markers behave on steep first kilometres, how Paula storm windthrow looked in the forest before summer 2022 maintenance, and how boardwalks behaved after renewal(2). The Kainuun Liikunta PDF repeats the shelter list for Pöksänkorpi and often rounds the same loop to about 8 km(3). Most people park at Siikajärvi pysäköintialue on Siikajärventie 63, step past the Siikavaara and Sienipolku notice boards, and pick either direction around the ring; Luontopolkumies chose counter-clockwise to climb the biggest pinch early(2). About 0.7 km into the walk you reach the Pöksänkorpi laavu cluster beside the UKK-reitti Puolanka / Sienipolku lines: municipality copy lists a lean-to, fire place, table group, woodshed, and dry toilet there, so it is the natural lunch stop even though it sits just off the tight Kometon line(1)(3). Dry toilets are also available at Pöksänkorpi kuivakäymälä next to the shelter area. Climbing stays uneven on the wall-top traverse: sources call the grade moderate to fairly demanding because of short steep pulls, roots, stones, and trunks you may need to step over after weather events(2)(3). Marking is hard to miss—wooden arrow posts and red-orange paint on tree trunks—with a clear split where UKK-reitti Puolanka continues toward the long-distance corridor and Kometon kierros stays on the cliff loop(2). Higher birch and spruce bands open filtered views down toward Siikajärvi and the forest lake mosaic typical of Kainuu hill country rather than one big panorama(2). The protected forest leaves wind-felled wood in place off the maintained tread, which is why mushroom pickers praise Siikavaara’s habitats; keep dogs and noise low around birds such as eagle owls that Luontopolkumies disturbed beside the path(2). Winter travellers should confirm road access to Siikajärventie 63 before committing, because the trailhead sits well north of the village.

Saarijärvi Trail is a lakeside hiking route of about 5 km in the Saarijärvi nature reserve near Puolanka in Kainuu. The City of Puolanka groups it under Saarijärven luonnonsuojeluarea on its Liikuntaa luonnossa outdoor pages and notes a lean-to and campfire places along the walk around the lake(1). Retkiseikkailu lists the same outing at about 4.7 km and points readers toward Metsähallitus-style trail information for the reserve; treat the distance here as the measured line for planning(2). The Hyrynsalmi–Puolanka outdoor map layers fireplaces and lean-tos across the wider municipality if you want to compare nearby shelters after your lap(3). From the trail line, the outing is not a closed ring in the database, but on the ground it follows Saarijärvi’s shoreline and the official copy describes it as circling the lake, with facilities spaced along the way. About half a kilometre along you reach Saarijärvi pysäköintialue if you approach from parking rather than the nominal start coordinate. Near the middle of the route, Saaripuro laavu offers a classic Kainuu lean-to stop; the same shelter also appears on Honkajärven polku, so you can plan a short link between the two trails here. Niemi kuivakäymälä and Pitkäniemi kuivakäymälä sit at cape points with dry toilets for day hikers, and Pitkäniemi tulentekopaikka gives a marked campfire spot toward the end of the lap. A snowmobile corridor runs across part of the same shoreline band—stay alert where the summer foot trail and winter motor route overlap. Puolanka is a strong walking destination overall: the Liikuntaa luonnossa hub also describes neighbouring loops such as Mustikkavaaran polku and Pyssykuljun reitti if you want to add kilometres on another day(1). For current conditions, any seasonal closures in the reserve, and the latest on lean-tos and fireplaces, rely on the City of Puolanka Liikuntaa luonnossa updates rather than older deep links that may have moved(1).

Mustikkavaara Hill Trail is a short forest loop of about 3.2 km in Puolanka in the Kainuu region. The City of Puolanka lists the same walk at about 3.4 km on its Liikuntaa luonnossa outdoor pages and describes it starting beside the kirkonkylä camping area, climbing onto Mustikkavaara hill for wide views over the surrounding uplands(1). Kainuun Liikunta publishes a printable map for the trail as a PDF, which is useful if you want a paper copy alongside the overview here(2). The loop begins in the immediate vicinity of Puolanka Camping and Puolanka Camping Parking, so you can combine a campsite stay with a morning or evening lap on the hill. Along the way the trail passes the sports-field cluster where Puolangan kuntoportaat outdoor fitness stairs sit on Kiiskilänkatu—handy if you want to add a stair workout after your walk; the summer outdoor facilities page lists that address(3). In winter the same corner of town ties into lit ski and exercise tracks: Urheilukentän latu Puolanka and Urheilukentän pururata share the area near the camping parking, and Yhdyslatu Honkavaara-Puolankajärvi-Urheilukenttä runs close by—use the municipality’s winter trail service for current grooming(1). Terrain is typical Kainuu forest and hillcrest: expect roots and natural tread under mixed woodland, a clear climb toward the open summit of Mustikkavaara, and quieter forest between. Allow time to enjoy the lookout; the round trip is short enough for families and casual hikers but still includes real elevation gain for the district.

Pyssykulju loop is about 4.1 km of circular hiking in Puolanka, Kainuu, on the forested slope above Pyssylampi near the Honkavaara outdoor area. The City of Puolanka lists it as Pyssykuljun reitti, about 4 km, aimed at reasonably fit walkers because of elevation change and steep climbs, while still working as a family day outing for school-age children if the group is used to hills(1). Paljakka’s hiking pages describe the wider Paljakka–Puolanka vaara landscape and how short, marked local trails sit beside the national-park destinations—useful background when you are planning several walks in the same trip(3). You start from the Pyssylampi shore end of the loop: Pyssylammen puolikota sits at the trailhead cluster with firewood storage and Pyssylampi polttopuus.-kuivak. close by, and the loop climbs through pine forest and mixed forest before returning to the shore. About 4 km into the circuit you pass Pyssylammen puolikota again at the western kota above the pond—handy as a lunch stop. Vehicle access is via Pyssykuljun parkkipaikka downhill from the route line; walk up to the kota and lake facilities to begin. The trail stitches into larger networks at the same trailhead. UKK Trail – Puolanka section passes Pyssylampi on its long Kainuu crossing, and UKK Trail – Puolanka centre link (Honkavaara) branches toward Honkavaara’s sports venues. Pyssylammen ympyrälenkki is the maintained ski loop that shares the shoreline—remember it is groomed track in winter. For winter fat-biking and dog skiing rules on the Pyssylampi loop itself, the City of Puolanka publishes separate shared-trail guidance for Honkavaara, including direction of travel for bikes and dog-track etiquette(2). Many visitors combine a short Puolanka walk with Hepokönkäs waterfall and its geological nature trail a short drive away toward Paljakka; the City of Puolanka describes that cascade and access on the same outdoor pages(1).

Sienipolku is a long hiking route on Siikavaara in northern Puolanka, Kainuu. The trail runs through the Siikavaara nature reserve, where Metsähallitus manages the protected area and publishes reserve-level background on its publications site(1). For hunting seasons, reindeer herding, and permits on state land in the Siikavaara block, Eräluvat.fi gives practical rules for visitors who share the forest with hunting and reindeer work(2). Retkipaikka’s Siikavaara feature describes the ridge landscape, the mushroom-themed route, and overnight use at Lakilampi and Aapronlampi shelters—worth reading for on-the-ground atmosphere and seasonal tips(3). The trail is about 17.9 km as one continuous line. It is not a loop: you move along the Siikavaara ridge and its side valleys between parking areas. From Nuottivaara pysäköintialue near the southern approach, the route climbs toward Poussuoja laavu in the forested valley on the south side of the ridge—a natural first break with a lean-to and dry toilet. Farther along, Pöksänkorpi laavu and Pöksänkorpi kuivakäymälä sit near the seven-kilometre mark, close to where Kometon kierros and the UKK-reitti Puolanka network meet this line. Siikajärvi pysäköintialue offers parking partway along the northern cliff area; from there the trail continues past Lakilampi laavu and Lakilampi kuivakäymälä on the open ridge around ten to eleven kilometres, then Myllypuro laavu and Myllypuro kuivakäymälä, and Matinvaara pysäköintialue. Toward the north end, Aapronlampi laavu and Aapronlampi kuivakäymälä cap the day-hike shelters along the route. The route is embedded in the UKK long-distance trail system: UKK-reitti Puolanka uses the same ridge corridor, so you can combine or stage sections with that 61 km Puolanka UKK variant. At Pöksänkorpi and Siikajärvi, Kometon kierros forms a separate marked loop to the Kometon cliff; trip write-ups note blue paint marks for Sienipolku and red arrow posts for Kometon where networks cross(4). Ukk-ulkoilureitti is another long connector in the wider Kainuu–North Ostrobothnia outdoor network that touches the same place names on multi-day plans. Puolanka lies on the Kainuu ridge belt; Kainuu is known for spacious forest fells and quiet trails compared with busier southern destinations. Terrain mixes spruce forest on the ridge, small mires, and lakeshore near shelters. Autumn is famous for mushrooms—chanterelles and milk-caps are often mentioned for Siikavaara—so carry a basket only if you know edible species and respect reserve rules. Be visible during small-game hunting periods; Eräluvat reminds visitors to account for reindeer herding in the reindeer management area(2).

The trail is in Puolanka, Kainuu, and links the Honkavaara sports area toward the village-side UKK corridor. It is about 8.5 km as one point-to-point section. For up-to-date lists of laavu and kota sites, nearby day routes, and fireplace maps across the municipality, begin with the outdoor section on the City of Puolanka website(1). Those pages describe dozens of active shelters around Puolanka, highlight loops such as Pyssykuljun reitti on the same ridge system, and link to printable hearth maps when you plan meal stops or join routes together. From the trailhead cluster you pass Honkavaaran ampumahiihtoalue, Puolanka Frisbeegolfrata, and Honka Areena almost immediately, so parking, winter sports, and summer ball sports sit beside the path. Honka Areena laavu is only a short walk along the route—read more on our page for Honka Areena laavu. About halfway, Kapustajoen laavu offers a longer forest break above the Kapustajoki valley; the stream’s spring areas are protected Natura habitat upstream. Near the eastern end the line meets Honkavaaran kuntorata, Honkavaaran ladut, and Yhdyslatu Honkavaara-Puolankajärvi-Urheilukenttä where runners and skiers already use shared paths, and it touches Pyssylammen ympyrälenkki where Pyssylammen puolikota and Pyssykuljun parkkipaikka appear on the longer ski network. From the same junction zone you can continue on Pyssykuljun lenkki or step onto UKK-reitti Puolanka for multi-day hiking deeper toward Hepoköngäs, Siikavaara, and the national UKK chain. On long-distance UKK legs through Kainuu, walkers have reported clear blue paint blazes where maintenance keeps up, but also moments where the tread fades and boardwalks need care; Retkellä metsässä describes similar ups and downs along the Kuhmo–Puolanka corridor from a bike survey, and Jalkaisin notes the same paint marks moving toward Puolanka on foot(3)(4). Kaleva covered wider UKK renovation rounds where municipalities rebuilt bridges and refreshed blazes once budgets allowed(5). Trekkari’s long-form history explains how the UKK brand grew from 1980s regional planning and Urho Kekkonen’s demonstration ski links, which helps interpret the many local spurs you see near sports centres like Honkavaara(2).

Puolanka lies in Kainuu. Matkailuyhdistys Puolanka-Paljakka Ry maintains the Paljakka resort trail network; their maps page lists Hepovaara’s summer multi-use options and the winter cross-country lineup together with PDF overview maps(1). The trail is about 8.6 km end to end and is not a closed loop. Paljakka describes Hepovaaran latu as a roughly 12 km groomed ski track in winter and groups summer Hepovaara riding and hiking at 6 km, 9 km, and 14 km on the same overview—figures describe the wider Hepovaara system, while the geometry here is the single kuntopolku line(1). For machine grooming times and last-checked track quality, use the regional outdoor track status map(2). Anyone skiing on Paljakka’s maintained ski-track pool should read the winter cross-country skiing page for the current voluntary per-skier contribution Matkailuyhdistys Puolanka-Paljakka Ry uses to fund grooming(3). Mtbfin recalls that the packed winter surface near Rakennusjärvi is excellent for skis and suits fat bikes if riders yield to skiers(4). From the Paljakka service cluster, the line quickly reaches Rakennusjärven kota, a lean-to shelter roughly 1.3 km into the hike, with Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna sitting downslope of the ski hill nearby—handy if you are pairing the walk with sauna booking from the resort side. Around 2.9 km you pass the heart of Paljakka: Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakka frisbeegolf, Paljakkatalo museum building, Paljakka Caravan-alue, and Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka if you arrive by car to the downhill area. The route threads forest toward Lehtojoki; about 7.5 km along, Lehtojoki laavu and Lehtojoki kuivakäymälä give you a riverbank stop with a lean-to and dry toilet before you finish the leg. The same corridor ties into other marked recreation: Paljakan ladut for longer ski loops, Talvinen fatbike- ja monikäyttöura in winter, Hepovaaran maastopyöräilyreitit - Paljakka - Puolanka for summer bike circuits, Kalastuspolku Paljakka for a shorter themed walk, and the Paljakka section of the UKK Trail for long-distance hikers. Trails are marked following Paljakka’s sustainable-trail principles(1). Dry toilets appear at the Lehtojoki cluster; treat them as shared backcountry facilities and pack out litter.

The Puolanka section of the UKK-reitti is about 61 km as a point-to-point hike through Kainuu’s forest and fell margins, with lean-tos, firewood stops, and several short detours to bigger sights. For Hepokönkään Vesiputous, laavu maintenance, and the wider network of Puolanka–Paljakka outdoor routes, the best official hub remains the City of Puolanka outdoor pages(1). Retkipaikka describes the waterfall as one of Finland’s tallest natural drops and notes how the national UKK corridor brushes the site on the Puolanka–Hyrynsalmi line, with a side option toward Paljakka(2). From the first kilometres you already pass firewood and dry-toilet points at Markonpuro and soon after the Markonpuron laavu. Around six kilometres the Kuirivaaran laavu pair offers a first longer break on climbs toward the Pyssylampi country. Near 14 km the Pyssylammen puolikota, Pyssylampi polttopuus.-kuivak., and Pyssykuljun parkkipaikka form a natural hub: day hikers often treat this as a lake-and-shelter goal, and the route shares the shoreline with Pyssykuljun lenkki for a short loop option without leaving the area. The Hepoköngäs block near 19 km is the emotional centre of the stage. Hepoköngäs waterfall, Hepoköngäs puolikota, Hepokönkään parkkiapaikka, Hepoköngäs inva-käymälä, and Hepoköngäs inva kuivakäymälä cluster around the Heinijoki canyon; the City of Puolanka lists an accessible gravel path, viewing decks, and the 1.5 km Hepoköngäs geologinen luontopolku with geology boards(1). The separate Esteetön reitti Hepokönkään putoukselle gives a wheelchair-friendly approach from the same parking idea. Jalkaisin’s coast-to-coast journal praises the riverside walking below the falls and the newer kota-style shelter above the cascade, while reminding readers that summer heat and insects can bite as hard as the scenery rewards(3). Beyond Hepoköngäs the line rolls toward Syvälammen laavu - Puolanka and the Syvälampi polttopuus.-kuivak. pair near 25 km, then Väärälampi laavu and Väärälampi polttopuus.-kuivak. around 29 km beside small lakes; this is where Köngäskierros Puolanka branches toward Pirunkirkko and Paljakka if you want a rest day loop. The middle trail continues past Matinvaara pysäköintialue (parking that also supports approaches from the Matinvaara side), Myllypuro kuivakäymälä, Myllypuro laavu, Lakilampi kuivakäymälä, and Lakilampi laavu—steady shelter spacing for anyone breaking the 61 km into three or four summer days. The northern vaara come back into play around Poussuoja kuivakäymälä and Poussuoja laavu near 41 km, then Nuottivaara pysäköintialue offers car access for a late-stage entry. Pöksänkorpi kuivakäymälä and Pöksänkorpi laavu near 51 km sit on the climb toward Siikajärvi pysäköintialue; municipal materials highlight the Siikavaara–Kometon kierros day-hike ring that starts from the same road end for people based in Puolanka village(1). The route finishes near Aapronlampi kuivakäymälä and Aapronlampi laavu, a quiet lake pair before connectors toward the next UKK segments. Kainuu is classic UKK country: blue paint blazes remain easy to follow when foliage is down(3). Carry maps or a phone backup for hot spells when you might prefer forest tracks to exposed esker tops, and treat Kiiminkijoen melontareitti as the paddling parallel in the same valley system if you are planning a canoe leg near Hepoköngäs rather than walking every metre(1). Puolanka is the municipality anchor for food and lodgings after a long day.

The trail is about 0,6 km one way in Puolanka, Kainuu, inside Metsähallitus’s Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve on Heinijoki. It is built as a barrier-free nature route to Hepoköngäs waterfall, with a wide gravel and sand surface and room for wheelchairs and strollers on the main approach. For reserve background and the longer geological circuit nearby, see Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Finland highlights the 24-metre drop and recommends spring and early summer, when meltwater swells Heinijoki and the roar carries through the forest(2). From Hepokönkään parkkiapaikka the path climbs gently toward the crest of the falls. Along the last few hundred metres you pass rest infrastructure tied to the accessible line: Hepoköngäs puolikota is a half-kota shelter for breaks, and dry toilets including Hepoköngäs inva-käymälä and Hepoköngäs inva kuivakäymälä sit close to the viewing area—handy before you pause at Hepoköngäs waterfall,. Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen notes on Retkipaikka that the approach feels practically barrier-free all the way to the top viewing level, with boards at the car park explaining the cascade and the protected area(3). If you want more angles, Suomen vesiputoukset reminds readers that wooden ramps and stairs also lead to additional viewpoints along the river, and that the UKK Trail – Puolanka section passes beside the same destination, so longer-distance hikers often combine the falls with the Hyrynsalmi direction(4). Hepoköngäs geologinen luontopolku shares the same trailhead neighbourhood: it branches toward a roughly 1,8 km red-marked loop along Heinijoki with geology panels and steeper duckboard sections than this short accessible spur(1). Kiiminkijoen melontareitti is a separate water route on the Kiiminkijoki system for paddlers stitching together longer river days. After viewing the falls, many visitors simply return the same way to Hepokönkään parkkiapaikka; allow roughly half an hour plus photography time for a relaxed round trip.

The Paljakka section of the UKK Trail is about 11.1 km one way in Puolanka, Kainuu, between the Pirunkirkko trailheads and the Paljakka holiday resort. The City of Puolanka collects Pirunkirkko, Paljakka resort loops, and wider UKK access notes on its outdoor recreation hub(2). UKK (officially UKK-retkeilyreitti) is Finland’s long-distance hiking backbone that planners linked to Urho Kekkonen’s famous ski journey from Vuokatti toward Koli; today individual sections such as this one are often walked as day trips while longer treks continue north or south on the same network(4). The line runs through one of the busiest service pockets of the Paljakka outdoor area: you pass the Pirunkirkko day hut and maintenance point right after parking, reach Rakennusjärven kota around three kilometres in, then thread the resort cluster with Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakkatalo, Paljakka Caravan-alue, Paljakka frisbeegolf, Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna, and the downhill centre car park before closing on the Louhenjoki gorge at Pirunkirkko itself. Pirunkirkko is a small strict-protection pocket beside Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve; Luontoon.fi summarises an easy approach with bridges and duckboards, a day hut, and steep gravelly banks beside Louhenjoki where you need secure footing rather than guard rails(1). For the resort end of the day, Paljakka lists the 6 km Kalastuspolku around Rakennusjärvi and the 10 km Maisemareitti that first follows Louhenjoki and Savipaikankoski before climbing toward the fells, giving context for how this UKK link sits among the local marked network(2)(3). Trail marking for the wider UKK system is mostly paint-based; Jalkaisin’s hiking journal from a Puolanka UKK segment describes following blue paint blazes while noting overgrowth and windthrow that can hide markers, so carrying a downloaded map remains wise(5). The Paljakka resort stresses that its nature trails follow sustainable mobility principles—stay on marked paths through the protected forest matrix(3). You can extend the outing using trails that share the same hubs: Ilveskierros toward Ilveskota, the Paljakka Nature Reserve Path inside the strict reserve, the longer Köngäskierros Puolanka loop, winter skiing on Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka, or the very long Paljakan kierros mtb-reitti if you want a different mode elsewhere in the same landscape. For route history and maintenance reality of the national UKK system, Trekkari’s long overview compiles press and planning citations from the Vuokatti–Koli opening years onward and is a useful Finnish-language narrative on how the trail got its name(4).

For maps of lean-tos and fireplaces along Puolanka trails and the municipality’s own trail list, start with the Municipality of Puolanka outdoor pages(1). The Saarijärvi recreational fishing site on Kalalla Kainuussa describes the old-growth forest protection setting around Saarijärvi as having a path network, lean-tos, and campfire places, with rowing boats allowed on the lake when you are fishing(2). Retkiseikkailu’s Puolanka roundup helps plan a wider day in the same countryside, including the longer Saarijärvi circuit(3). The trail is about 2.7 km on our map as a compact forest loop at Honkajärvi in Puolanka, Kainuu. About half a kilometre from the start you reach Saaripuro laavu—natural lunch or fire stop; see firewood and etiquette on our Saaripuro laavu page. The walk sits beside Honkajärvi and the wider Saarijärvi recreation landscape that sources describe as trail-rich(2); the Municipality of Puolanka also publishes Saarijärven polku in the same trail chapter for visitors who want a longer lake circuit(1). Saarijärven polku is roughly five kilometres on our map and passes Saarijärvi pysäköintialue, Pitkäniemi tulentekopaikka, Saaripuro laavu from the lake side, Niemi kuivakäymälä, and Pitkäniemi kuivakäymälä—easy to combine with this loop for a half-day. In winter the Ristisuo - Väyrylä - Kanakorpi Moottorikelkkaura snowmobile route crosses part of the same ground; watch for shared-use short sections if you ski or walk when snowmobile traffic is about.