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Naapurivaara Lepikko Loop nature trail 4 km, Vuokatti-Sotkamo
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Naapurivaara nature trail, Vuokatti FinlandPhoto: Helka Leimu-Pelkonen, CC BY-ND, Outdoors Kainuu
The nature trail on the opposite hill to Vuokatinvaara, Naapurivaara, offers hikers a refreshing different landscape compared to the Vuokatti hiking routes. Also known as the Lepikko Loop, the Naapurivaara nature trail is particularly well suited for families as a day trip destination.
The nationally valuable heritage landscape route passes through old grove patches, majestic spruce forests, and lush hillside groves. The route offers stunning views from Naapurinlouhi kota and skirts the local settlement at the Määttälä field clearing. Information boards along the route tell walkers about the plants, landscape area, cultural environment, and heritage landscapes and their management.
From the Lepikko route, it is easy to visit Naapurinlouhi kota to admire the magnificent views of Vuokatti and Nuasjärvi and rest at the campfire site. The circular route starting and ending at Naapurivaara school is easy to walk in most parts both in terrain and surface.
Author’s recommendation
- There is also a short Children's Loop in the area, 0.8 km in length. Marked with an adult and child symbol.
- The route is not maintained in winter but is well suited for snowshoeing.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
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Cows (highland cattle) graze in parts of the area from June to early August, maintaining the heritage landscape. Behave calmly near the animals and remember to close gates.
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When cows are grazing, the gates on the route are closed and animal warning signs are posted at the gates.
- Dogs are not allowed on the route when cows are grazing.
Tips and suggestions
- There are connecting paths from Naapurivaara Holiday Resort and Perttula to the nature trail.
- Naapurivaara is the oldest settlement area in Kainuu and has been defined as nationally valuable landscape and an important cultural-historical environment.
- Naapurivaara is home to one of Finland's most famous dance pavilions, Naapurivaara Leisure Center.
Roadbook
- The length of the Lepikko route is 3.5 km and if you take a break at Naapurinlouhi kota, the length is 4 km.
- Rest spot halfway along the route at Naapurinlouhi kota.
- The route is marked on the terrain with a cone symbol on a green background.
The hiking route starts from the parking area on Naapurinvaarantie and proceeds about 300 meters along Perttulantie through a spruce forest until reaching the Naapurivaara grove landscape. Please note that if the gate after the spruce forest is closed, cows are grazing in the area from June to early August. After the gate, the path bends right, passing through the grove landscape for just under half a kilometer until reaching the second gate by a majestic spruce grove. After a short spruce forest section, the path opens into wider terrain with views of Vuokatti. The route follows the edge of the clearing for about 400 meters until a junction where the route turns left.
If you wish to take a break at Naapurinlouhi kota, the path to the kota branches right. The kota is about 300 meters from the junction and is a great spot for a break because of its scenery. From the kota, the route returns back to the junction and then turns right into a sapling stand. At the same time, it descends through a grove-like area toward the Määttälä fields. After 300 meters, there is a gate marking the start of another cow pasture. After the gate, the path continues through the Naapurivaara grove landscape for another 300 meters, after which the route branches left. The path continuing right is a connecting route to Naapurivaara Holiday Resort.
Shortly after the junction, there is a gate where the pasture area ends. After the gate, the path descends to the Määttälä field clearing, following a gravel road for 200 meters before turning left to follow the edge of the field toward the birch forest. From the forest edge, the route starts climbing an old tractor track back to Naapurivaara, with a gate marking the start of the pasture area at the forest edge. After about 500 meters, the route splits from the tractor track to the right and heads toward the starting point. After 300 meters, there is the last gate of the route and simultaneously the last short but relatively steep climb back to the start point.
Naapurinvaaran huvikeskus dance hall, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaara, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinlouhi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaaran lomakeskus resort, Vuokatti Finland
Public transport
- The route is difficult to access by public transport.
- The nearest bus stop is on Pohjavaarantie, 1.5 kilometers away, served by buses traveling the Kajaani-Kuluntalahti-Pohjavaara-Vuokatti route and vice versa.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
The starting point of Naapurivaara nature trail is located next to Naapurivaara school. You can reach the starting point from Vuokatti by driving west on Pohjavaarantie (no. 899) for 4 km, then turning north to the right onto Naapurivaarantie (no. 9010), which you drive for 1 km. The parking area is on the left side of the road at the school.Parking
- Parking area, Naapurinvaarantie 16, 88610 Vuokatti
- Alternative parking area at the end of Perttulantie, Perttulantie 7, 88610 Vuokatti.
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Free parking available in the area
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
- In dry weather, you can hike the route in normal footwear.
- In rainy weather, the area is soft and moist, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions