Best trails in Petkeljärvi National Park
Petkeljärvi National Park is located in North Karelia, near Ilomantsi. The park is home to military history and Border Karelian culture. Its nature is magnificent, with ridges and lake scapes. The park's signature animal is the loon, and the area is also home to beavers and many endangered polypore species.
Petraniemi has a covered barbecue shelter and a reserved fire pit. Fires are not allowed in the rest of the park. The camping center has rooms, huts, caravan sites, and tent sites. Facilities include a beach sauna, café, and restaurant. The Petkeljärvi Nature House provides information about the park.
The nearest train connections to the park are in Joensuu and Uimaharju. The nearest bus connection is from Joensuu to Ilomants, 23 km from the park. There is a boat dock on the shore of Lake Valkiajärvi at the Petkeljärvi camping center.
Top trails
- (12)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrPetkeljärvi National Park is located in North Karelia, and brings the visitor to be a part of nature in the midst of the wind through the trees and the glint off the ponds. Kuikan Kierros runs through ridges in remote forests and along the shore. Along the route you can admire the scenery from the ridges, and listen to the lapping of the waves. Along the way, you might even see traces of beavers.
- (4)•Hard•12.2 mi•Est. 5.5–6.5 hrPetkeljärvi National Park is located in North Karelia, and brings the visitor to nature in the middle of the humming of the old trees and the flickering of the ponds. The Pogosta trail run is an annual event in Petkeljärvi National Park, which offers the opportunity to compete in wonderful forest and lake landscapes. The route follows both Taitaja Taival and Kuikankierros. Taitajan Taival: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/finland/north-karelia/taitajan-taival Kuikan Tour:...
- (2)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrPetkeljärvi National Park is located in North Karelia, and brings the visitor to nature in the middle of the humming of the old trees and the flickering of the ponds. The ridge trail runs through the terrain of Savulammi. The route partly follows the Kuikan Kierros nature trail, and crosses Taitaja Taipale. The route marking is a yellow circle. The recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
- (1)•Hard•19.0 mi•Est. 8.5–9.5 hrTaitajan Taival is the oldest marked hiking trail in North Karelia. The route runs along the ridges of Petkeljärvi-Putkelanharju. This has been a travel route in the area long before the trail was marked as a hiking route. The route can run in both directions. Taitajan Taival is available when the ground is unfrozen, and there are four resting places with lean-to shelters along it.
Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
No fee required
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
041 4361790
No entrance fee or pass is required.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Petkeljärvi National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Petkeljärvi National Park is Kuikan Kierros Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 12 reviews. This trail is 4.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 849 ft.
What is the longest trail in Petkeljärvi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Petkeljärvi National Park is Taitajan taival. This trail is estimated to be 19.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Petkeljärvi National Park?
There are 6 trails in Petkeljärvi National Park. These trails have an average 4.0-star rating from 22 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Petkeljärvi National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Petkeljärvi National Park has you covered. Taitajan taival boasts the most elevation gain with 2,647 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Pogosta trail run, which will get you 1,899 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Petkeljärvi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Petkeljärvi National Park which is Taitajan taival with an average 2.0 star rating from 1 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Petkeljärvi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Petkeljärvi National Park and the most popular is Kuikan Kierros Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 12 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Petkeljärvi National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with lakes in Petkeljärvi National Park, including Kuikan Kierros Trail, Pogosta trail run, Harjupolku (Ridge Trail), Korkeasärkkä Trail, and Taitajan taival.
