Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail
Description
The Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail is about 3.5 km one way on the southern opening of Taitajan Taival, North Karelia’s oldest marked hiking trail across the Petkeljärvi–Putkelanharju eskers. Ilomantsi lies in North Karelia near the Russian border; this segment is an easy way to sample the same story as the full Petkeljä...
Managed by
Ilomantsi
Official Maintenance
Trail info
Walk either direction along this point-to-point segment depending on where you park; the longer Taitajan Taival is commonly planned from Petkeljärvi toward Mekrijärvi or the reverse.
Route direction
National Park
Area
Recreation Area
Recreation Area
Lake
Lake
orange paint blazes on trees along Taitajan Taival
Route Signs
Dogs (On Leash)
Dogs
Open / Good Condition
Open / Good Condition
Activities allowed
Hike / Walk
Activity
Terrain & conditions
3.5 km
Distance
Allow about 1–1.5 hours one way in dry summer conditions with a break at Keltasilmä; sturdy shoes help once the mineral soil turns rocky closer to the high eskers on longer continuations.
Est. Time
Dry forest path on sand and moraine; sections become stonier on the higher eskers if you continue beyond this segment. Boardwalks appear on related Kuikan kierros loops but this slice is mainly mineral soil.
Surface
Point-to-Point, Single Track
Route Type
Light Traffic
Traffic
Partial Shade
Shade
Location
Explore nearby
Rate & Review
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Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Ilomantsi, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.
Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail3.5 km
Video
Videos
Description
The Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail is about 3.5 km one way on the southern opening of Taitajan Taival, North Karelia’s oldest marked hiking trail across the Petkeljärvi–Putkelanharju eskers. Ilomantsi lies in North Karelia near the Russian border; this segment is an easy way to sample the same story as the full Petkeljä...
Managed by
Ilomantsi
Official Maintenance
Trail info
Location
Walk either direction along this point-to-point segment depending on where you park; the longer Taitajan Taival is commonly planned from Petkeljärvi toward Mekrijärvi or the reverse.
Route direction
National Park
Area
Recreation Area
Recreation Area
Lake
Lake
orange paint blazes on trees along Taitajan Taival
Route Signs
Dogs (On Leash)
Dogs
Open / Good Condition
Open / Good Condition
Activities allowed
Hike / Walk
Activity
Terrain & conditions
3.5 km
Distance
Allow about 1–1.5 hours one way in dry summer conditions with a break at Keltasilmä; sturdy shoes help once the mineral soil turns rocky closer to the high eskers on longer continuations.
Est. Time
Dry forest path on sand and moraine; sections become stonier on the higher eskers if you continue beyond this segment. Boardwalks appear on related Kuikan kierros loops but this slice is mainly mineral soil.
Surface
Point-to-Point, Single Track
Route Type
Light Traffic
Traffic
Partial Shade
Shade
Explore nearby
Rate & Review
Be the first to write a review for "Petkeljärvi–Särkkäjärvi trail"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Ilomantsi, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.