Orinoron kierto - a circular hiking trail with a beautiful gorge
Savonia University of Applied Sciences Verified partner Explorers Choice
This hiking trail provides examples of Finnish nature in its different forms. You will also visit a gorge that has vertical walls, carved by glaciers during the last ice age.
Orinoro hiking trail lies on the island of Soisalo, close to the town Leppävirta, and is an exciting day trip destination for the whole family.
Along the Orinoro hiking trail you will find forest areas at different stages of growth and varied natural sceneries. The natural jewel of this hiking trail is the impressive Orinoro gorge. It is approximately 200 meters long, with a maximum depth of almost 20 meters. There is a spring at the bottom of the gorge, and snow and ice remain there as late as June. It is cool and moist here, even when the weather is warm. Safe stairs take you to the bottom of the gorge where you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of it, and amaze the power of glaciers.
Take a break on the campfire site by a beautiful forest pond. At the end of the Orinoro hiking trail the path takes you out of the woods and into the lovely rustic atmosphere of the small Mustinmäki village. You will see some strawberry fields and Finnish farm sceneries.
Author’s recommendation
If you only want to visit the gorge, drive to Hanhiahontie car parking, from where it´s a shorter hike to the gorge.
Safety information
There are no safety fences on top of the Orinoro Gorge. The boulders at the bottom of the gorge make the terrain a bit difficult to walk in some places. The duckboards may be slippery. Tree roots, stones and leaves can make the path slippery as well.
There are no services along the route so please bring your own snacks and drinks. You should always take at least a water bottle with you.
In case of emergency, call 112 ( The emergency number in Finland). When the forest fire warning is in effect, fires are not allowed – even at the campfire sites. Although the trail is marked in the terrain, it is good to take a map of the area with you.
Tips and hints
The route is marked with paint markings and signposts. There are guideposts with a picture of the map of the area in the starting point and near the gorge. There is firewood at the campfire site. Suitable as a daytrip destination, also for families. Not suitable for people with disabilities.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The route is well marked with paint markings and signposts. The path starts behind the Mustinmäki community house, where there is a free car park, an outhouse and a campfire site. After walking about 3,3 km you reach the edge of Orinoro Gorge. Please note that there are no safety barriers on the edge of the cliff! By following the signposts to the right, you will find safe stairs with railings. Walk down the stairs to reach the bottom of the gorge. You can walk through the gorge - the path that runs in the gorge is mostly covered with duckboards. If you don’t want to visit the bottom of the gorge, you can turn left at the edge of the gorge and follow a path, that will soon come together with the path that runs through the bottom of the gorge. After a the gorge, walking a few hundred meters, you will reach a campfire site by a pond. After this the path runs in the woods and takes you to a gravel road that leads to the rural Mustinmäki village. By following the signposts to the right, you can visit a scenic spot that offers beautiful views of the rural landscapes. After returning to the original route, you follow the gravel road until you reach the Mustinmäki community house again.
Note
Public transport
There is no public transportation.Getting there
From Leppävirta drive 16 km along Heinävedentie road (road no. 534), turn left onto Mustinmäentie road. Continue onwards for 830 m to the parking lot of Mustinmäki-talo (Mustinmäki community house), address: Mustinmäentie 83. The marked trail to the gorge starts from the yard. The trail is 7 km long, Orinoro is located 3,3 km from the parking lot.
Alternative, shorter way to the gorge: from Mustinmäki-talo drive 500 m, turn right onto Hanhiahontie road, drive 2,3 km to another parking lot. A marked trail to the gorge starts from the parking lot. Follow the signposts (about 900 m to the gorge and the same way back).
From the Highway 23 (Varkaus-Joensuu) turn at the crossroads with sign “LEPPÄVIRTA 34 km” to Heinävedentie road, continue for 19 km. Turn right onto Mustinmäentie road. Continue ahead for 830 m to the parking lot of Mustinmäki-talo (Mustinmäki community house). The marked nature trail (7 km) starts from the yard. Orinoro is located 3,3 km from the parking lot.
Parking
Mustinmäki community house, Mustinmäentie 83 79100 LeppävirtaCoordinates
Equipment
Waterproof shoes and long trousers are often needed. On a dry season, you can wear hiking shoes or even running shoes. Please dress according to the weather.Related Offers
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Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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