Tainionvirta paddling route, Hartola-Sysmä

PADDLE STAGES:

Koskenniska – Gasthaus Camping Koskenniemi 3.6 km

Gasthaus Camping Koskenniemi – Keijulankoski Shelter 4.0 km

Keijulankoski Shelter – Kirveskoski Dam 3.8 km

Kirveskoski Dam – Haavistonniemi Shelter (Huutoniemi) 5.6 km

Haavistonniemi Shelter (Huutoniemi) – Maatiaiskoski Dam 9.9 km

Maatiaiskoski Dam – Rouvasaari 3.3 km

Rouvasaari – Virtaankoski Dam 4.8 km

Virtaankoski Dam – Camping Sysmä 7.6 km

CARRYING LOCATIONS AND CARRY DISTANCES:

Hotilankoski Dam 170 m

Kirveskoski Dam 80 m

Maatiaiskoski Dam 30 m

Virtaankoski Dam 50 m

Koskenniska – Gasthaus Camping Koskenniemi 3.6 km

The first kilometres are paddled through a settled landscape. The first rapids are at the Ekonkoski area right at the start of the route. Ekonkoski is approached via the right channel of the river, and the rapid is descended on its right side. From Ekonkoski, paddling continues through calm current past the East Häme Museum until reaching the Iisulantie bridge. The rapid under the bridge is bypassed on the left side. You can land at the service station's pier. 800 m after the bridge is the next rapid, the gentle Vuoteenkoski. Immediately after Vuoteenkoski, you can land on the left at Gasthaus Camping Koskenniemi's shore.

Gasthaus Camping Koskenniemi – Keijulankoski Shelter 4.0 km

The route continues calmly and the scenery changes to farmland. From Vuoteenkoski to Vanhanmyllynkoski is about 2 km. The most challenging rapid on the route is relatively long and curves left at the end. Study the current, stones, and route selection in advance. The rapid can also be bypassed by carrying. Before the Keijulankoski Shelter is the Hotilankoski Dam, the first carrying place on the route. The landing spot is on the right side of the dam. The easiest paddling route on Keijulankoski runs along the left edge of the rapid. The shelter is behind the island to the right. Landing at Keijulankoski Shelter is on the river's right side before the shelter.

Keijulankoski Shelter – Kirveskoski Dam 3.8 km

The third stage is easy river paddling through farmlands. You land at Kirveskoski Dam on the right side of the river. The easiest way to launch the canoe is to float it along the last 20 m of the creek to the dock.

Kirveskoski Dam – Haavistonniemi Shelter (Huutoniemi) 5.6 km

About 700 m after the dam the river seems to divide in two. Surface stones are bypassed on the right side. Before going to this stage, consider your next rest spot. Haavistonniemi Shelter is 5.6 km away, the last 2.9 km is lake paddling. Alternative resting spots include Tenninranta landing site.

Haavistonniemi Shelter (Huutoniemi) – Maatiaiskoski Dam 9.9 km

Approximately 4 km of the stage is lake paddling and the rest follows the river. There are three alternative resting spots on this stage: Joutsjärvi Shelter, Enojärvi Landing Site, and Krouvi Camping Landing Site. When windy, it is safer to paddle along the shores of the lakes. Before the dam, there is a river section. Around Jokiranta, the river divides twice; always choose the left side. The Nuoramoisten Bridge is passed under on the right side of the current. At the dam, land very near to the dam on its right side.

Maatiaiskoski Dam – Rouvasaari 3.3 km

The wind on the lake surface can be strong. The canoe can be pulled to the shore of Rouvasaari. On the northwest side of the island, there is a sheltered landing site. On the northeast side of the island, it is shallow and there are many surface stones to be careful of.

Rouvasaari – Virtaankoski Dam 4.8 km

Paddling continues across Nuoramoisjärvi before the final river section begins. There is about 3 km of river paddling before reaching the Virtaankoski Dam. At the dam, land on the left side. The carry distance downstream is about 50 m.

Virtaankoski Dam – Camping Sysmä 7.6 km

The first kilometre passes on the final river section of the paddling route. Then paddling along the lake shore about 6.6 km before reaching Camping Sysmä. There are no public resting spots on this stage.