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· Vuokatti-Sotkamo
Naapurivaara Lepikon Loop - 4 km with snowshoes, Vuokatti-Sotkamo
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Winter landscape from Naapurinlouhi's Kota in SotkamoPhoto: Pasi Korhonen, CC BY-ND, Outdoors Kainuu
The nature trail running on the fell north of Vuokatinvaara, Naapurivaara, offers the hiker a refreshing and different landscape compared to the hiking routes of Vuokatti. Also known as the Lepikon Loop, the Naapurivaara nature trail is especially suitable as a day trip destination even in winter with snowshoes.
The path, which circles through nationally valuable traditional landscapes, passes through old grove meadows, majestic spruce forests, and lush slope groves. The route offers stunning views from the Naapurinlouhi kota and passes by local settlement at the Määttälä field clearing.
From the Lepikon Loop it is easy to visit the Naapurinlouhi kota to admire the beautiful view of Vuokatti and Nuasjärvi and to rest and enjoy your picnic in the shelter of the kota.
The circular route starting and ending at Naapurivaara school is relatively easy to walk. There are no steep climbs or descents, but there are some ascents and descents along the route.
Author’s recommendation
- There is also a short Children's Loop in the area, which is 0.8 km long. The sign is an adult and child symbol.
- The route is not maintained in winter, but it is well suited for snowshoeing.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route is marked on the terrain, but during heavy snowfall these are often the only marks in the terrain. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully follow the route markings.
Heavy snow accumulation on trees may occur on the slopes of the highest fells in winter, which should be taken into account.
Tips and suggestions
- There are connecting paths to the nature trail from Naapurivaara Holiday Resort and Perttula.
- Naapurivaara is the oldest settlement area in Kainuu and has been designated a 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 Lepikon route is 3.5 km and if you take a break at the Naapurinlouhi kota, the length is 4 km.
- Resting place halfway along the route at the Naapurinlouhi kota.
- The route is marked on the terrain with a cone symbol on a green background.
The winter hiking route starts from the Naapurinvaarantie parking area and continues through a spruce forest along Perttulantie for about 300 meters until you reach the grove landscape of Naapurinvaara. After the gate, the path curves right, passing through the grove-like area for just under half a kilometer, until you reach the second gate near the majestic spruce forest. After a short stretch of spruce forest, the path opens into a more spacious terrain with views towards Vuokatti. The route follows the edge of the clearing for about 400 meters, reaching an intersection where the route turns left.
If you want to take a break at the Naapurinlouhi kota, the path to the kota branches off to the right. The kota is located about 300 meters from the intersection and is already a fine place for a break due to its views. From the kota, the route returns along the arrival path back to the intersection and turns right into a sapling stand. At the same time, you start descending through a grove-like area towards the Määttälä fields. After 300 meters, you come to a gate, after which the path continues through the grove landscape of Naapurinvaara for 300 meters, then branches left. The route continuing right is a connecting route to Naapurinvaaran Holiday Resort.
Shortly after the intersection 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, then turns left to follow the edge of the field towards the birch forest. From the forest edge, the route starts ascending an old tractor track back to Naapurinvaara and the gate at the forest edge also marks the beginning of the pasture area. After about 500 meters, the route separates from the tractor track to the right and heads back to the starting point. After 300 meters, there is the last gate of the route, and the final short but relatively steep ascent back to the starting point begins.
Naapurinvaaran huvikeskus dance hall, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaara, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinlouhi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaaran lomakeskus resort, Vuokatti Finland
Public transport
- The route is poorly accessible by public transport.
- The nearest bus stop is on Pohjavaarantie, 1.5 kilometers away, where buses running the Kajaani-Kuluntalahti-Pohjavaara-Vuokatti route and vice versa stop.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
The starting point of the Naapurinvaaran nature trail is located next to Naapurinvaaran school. The starting point can be reached from Vuokatti by driving west on Pohjavaarantie (road no. 899) for 4 km, then turning north to the right onto Naapurinvaarantie (road no. 9010), which is driven 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 7, 88610 Vuokatti.
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Free parking in the area
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
More to experience in the Vuokatti area can be found at www.vuokatti.fi
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
The route is passable in winter with snowshoes.
Snowshoes can be rented from e.g.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions