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Käpykintukka Nature Trail

—•Hiking Trails

6.3 km

Route

P 1

Description

City of Parkano – Nature and off-road trails and lean-tos+

Description

Käpykintukka is about 6.3 km one way in Parkano, Pirkanmaa, on the Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark. The City of Parkano maintains it as a marked hiking link between the Käenkoski outdoor area (Hiihtokeskuskentie 35) and the Metsämuseo–Riuttasjärvi shore (Rännärinmuseotie 112), following the Kaitojenvedet lake chain. The same route is listed in the national outdoor service on Luontoon.fi. From the Käenkoski end you quickly pass the Käenkosken frisbeegolfrata and Käenkosken talviuintipaikka winter swimming spot, then reach Käenkosken laavu ja nuotiopaikka for a fire break within the first kilometre. The Rantareitti 3,8km wellness loop uses the same hub; the city notes it is not on the city maintenance programme, so conditions can vary. Käenkosken hiihtoladut and Käenkosken kuntoradat share the area for skiing and running in winter and year-round fitness use. After wetlands and duckboards along Vehkapurunlahti, the trail climbs onto a moraine ridge, passes the large Sormikivi glacial erratic, and reaches Messukallio—where the Kustaa Hirvi Nature Trail branches off toward the forest church landscape on the shore. Retkipaikka’s walk-through of the neighbouring Kustaa Hirvi Nature Trail describes Messukallio’s ice-smoothed rock, short boardwalk sections, and Kaitojenvedet views—useful context for the same shoreline scenery you pass on Käpykintukka. At the north end, Metsämuseon laavu ja nuotiopaikka sits near the Forestry Museum outdoor area, Riuttasjärvi Beach & Outdoor Grill offers swimming and grilling in season, and Riuttasjärven parkkipaikka gives room to park if you finish here. Parkanon melontareitti passes the lake system for paddlers planning a longer stay, and Järvienreitit- Aure links into the wider lake-route network if you combine trips. For seasonal conditions, closures, and any service changes, rely on the city’s outdoor pages and the Geopark route description.

Length & route

The trail is about 6.3 km one way between the Käenkoski trail hub and the Metsämuseo–Riuttasjärvi shore. It is not a loop: you can walk it one way and arrange return by car, taxi, or a second walk, or retrace your steps. Wet shoreline sections use duckboards; the Geopark description notes a long boardwalk stretch beside Vehkapurunlahti, a moraine ridge segment, the Sormikivi erratic, Messukallio, and the final approach to the museum area.

Getting there

South end: from Highway 3, follow signs toward Parkano station onto Uudenasemantie and then to Käenkoski (Hiihtokeskuskentie 35); the main trail sign and north edge of the parking area mark the start, with Käenkosken laavu about 600 m along. North end: Metsämuseo at Rännärinmuseotie 112, with Riuttasjärven parkkipaikka beside the beach and museum outdoor area. There is no public transport to the trailheads; parking is free.

Good to know

Firewood availability at lean-tos varies; the city reminds visitors that many sites have no wood supply, so bring your own fuel if you plan to use fireplaces. The Geopark notes Eräkaidan maja beside the route is private—respect access.

History

The Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark describes Käpykintukka as following the ancient Kyrönkangas winter road line past the Kaidatvedet waters—the same corridor later echoed by Highway 3 and the main railway, with stories preserved on trail boards and in place names. Messukallio, beside the branch to Kustaa Hirvi Nature Trail, has long been a landmark on the lake chain.

Managed by

Parkano

Official Maintenance

Trail info

Marked for hiking in either direction; many people walk from Käenkoski to Metsämuseo or do an out-and-back on the same line.

Route direction

Recreation Area

Lake

Red paint blazes and signposts.

Route Signs

Open / Good Condition

Lauhanvuori – Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark – Käpykintukka

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

6.3 km

Distance

About 2 hours one way at a moderate pace for the full 6.3 km, or longer if you stop at laavut and Messukallio; allow extra time for a return walk.

Est. Time

Forest path and duckboards in wet sections; short steeper ground near the Käenkoski start.

Surface

Point-to-Point, Single Track

Route Type

Light Traffic

Traffic

Partial Shade

Shade

City of Parkano – Nature and off-road trails and lean-tos+

Location

62.08449°N, 23.05994°E

Parking coordinates

FinlandCountry

PirkanmaaRegion

ParkanoCity

Hiking TrailsCategory

Explore nearby

Käenkosken talviuintipaikka

315 m

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Parkano, 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.

Finland Pirkanmaa Parkano Hiking TrailsKäpykintukka Nature Trail