Jauhovaara hiking and nature trail 3,7 km, Kuhmo Finland
Jauhovaara Recreational Forest is located in the southwestern part of Kuhmo. Hill Jauhovaara is 253.2 meters above sea level and the north side of the hill is steep. The spruce forests make the area different.
Jauhovaara forest has been populated since the 19th century, but today the former forestguards hut acts as a rental wilderness hut. The area's specialty is the foreign (non Finnish) coniferous forest planted for experimental purposes in the 1930s-40s.
The hiking trail was built already in 1977 and has become one of Kuhmo's best known short hiking trails. The hiking trail is also a nature trail that introduces foreign tree species planted in the area. The other theme of the nature trail is Finnish trees and their significance for nature as well as for humans. The Nature trail infoboards also describe the activities and lifestyle of the forest guard at Jauhovaara.
- Arboretum - tree species planted at hill
- The nature observation deck
- War-time defense structures
The 1.5 km hiking trail runs along Jauhovaara. The longer 3.5 km trail, which runs in some places on the steep slopes of Jauhovaara hill, proceeds down to Jauholampi pond and back up to the hill.
Author’s recommendation
Berry and mushroom picking is allowed in Jauhovaara.
Fishing is allowed with a rod and line.
Jauhovaara is also a good winter hiking destination for skiing and snowshoeing, but the trails are not maintained.
Rest stops
Jauholampi campfire site and a lean-to shelter, Kuhmo FinlandSafety information
Open fire is not permitted even at a campfire site if a forest fire warning has been issued.
Own drinks and snacks are recommended, since there are no cafés or shops in Jauhovaara.
In the summer, hikers should protect themselves from mosquitoes (clothing, insect repellent).
Duckboards crossing mires and wetlands may be slippery when wet.
Tips and hints
Walking outside the routes is permitted, but it is advised to stay on paths.
Berry and mushroom picking is allowed in Jauhovaara. There are lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), bog bilberries (Vaccinium uliginosum) and crowberries (Empetrum nigrum) in the area. In mires, you can find cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus) and cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccus).
Campfire Sites and Lean-to Shelters:
Jauholampi: a campfire site and a lean-to shelter
Drinking Water
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It is recommended that you bring your own drinking water.
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The waters in the area are natural waters. You may use the water at your own risk. Boiling the water before drinking it is recommended since water quality varies from one area to another.
Waste Management
- There are no waste-bins in the nature reserve. Avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area.
- Biodegradable waste should be placed in a toilet or composter, and small amounts of clean paper and cardboard can be used as kindling in a campfire. Read more about Hiking without littering.
- There is a collection point at the Matokangas parking area for recycling plastic, metal, mixed waste and glass.
Toilets
- There is a dry toilet near campfire site and lean-to shelter.
Overnight stays
- There is one rental wilderness hut: Jauhovaara rental cabin. It is for 19 + 5 persons. The hut is equipped with toilet, shower, TV, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and a coffee maker, sauna, cellar, campfire site and a doghouse.
Camping and Lean-to Shelters
- You are allowed to camp temporarily near lean-to shelters and campfire sites.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Nature trails
The short nature trail of Jauhovaara, 1.5 km. The so-called Upper Trail runs over the hill. Foreign treespecies such as Engelmann spruces, firs, black spruces and larches, have been planted in the top of the hill. There is also a nature observation deck along the path. The trail is not accessible with baby carriages or wheelchairs. The trail is marked with red paint marks.
The long nature trail of Jauhovaara, 3.5 km. The longer trail departs from the shorter trail at the observation deck and continues down the slope to Jauholampi pond and back to Jauhovaara hill. Wild trees and their usage as well as the history and culture of the area are presented along the route. The path connects to a shorter route near the top of the hill. The wet spots on the trail have duckboards and steepest climbs have steps. The path is not suitable for the disabled. The route is marked with blue paint marks.
Note
Public transport
The area cannot be reached by public transport.
Getting there
From Kuhmo:
Drive 26 km along Kuhmo - Sotkamo road (no. 76). Turn left onto Vepsäntie, drive 10 km's and turn right onto Välivaara road. Following the Jauhovaara signs, drive 1.7 km's on Välivaara road and turn right onto the road leading to Jauhovaara, drive 0.8 km. The car park is just before the rental wilderness hut. Note that driving to the yard of the huts is prohibited except for the tenants.
From Sotkamo / Vuokatti:
Drive 35 km from Sotkamo (40 km from Vuokatti) to Kuhmo - Sotkamo road (no. 76) and turn to Vepsäntie. Follow the directions above.
You can also reach the hiking area by driving from Kuhmo to Valtimo (road no. 5284) 23 km and turning right onto Vepsäntie. After 8.5 km there will be a crossroad for Välivaarantie, which has a sign for Jauhovaara.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Terrain map Q541 Kuhmo, 1:50 000. Maps can be bought from Karttakeskus, the National Land Survey of Finland and well-stocked bookstores and Kuhmo Nature Center Petola
Terrain map Q5411 Tervasalmi, 1:25 000. Maps can be purchased from Karttakeskus, the National Land Survey of Finland and well-stocked bookstores.
Equipment
The paths are mostly easy terrain. Trekking does not require special equipment. At the wet mires there are duckboards. In dry weather, you can manage even with jogging shoes. Nevertheless, proper hiking shoes (water resistant) are recommended.
Statistics
- 3 Waypoints
- 3 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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