Jämäsvaara

Jämäsvaara is a great destination for the whole family.

The terrain is relatively easy, with only a few more challenging sections. Thanks to its short hiking stages, Jämäsvaara is also well-suited for trips with children as well as group outings and educational excursions. When preparing for your hike, note that the old and largely decayed duckboards have been or are being removed. This is a so-called “boot trail,” which can have wet sections along the way.

Trail Starting Points

Hiking on the Jämäsvaara trails can be started from the east side of the area at the Loukkukangas and Jämäsvaara parking areas along Jämäsjärventie, or from the west side at the Miettulantie parking area. At the western end of Lake Kymmensylinen, about 1 km from the Kuhmo–Valtimo road, there is a boat launch site for canoes and small boats.

Jämäsvaara Boot Trail

The Jämäsvaara area offers about 15 km of relatively easy hiking trails. The paths run through hilly terrain, pine forests, and small marsh sections. The trails are marked with orange paint marks.

Services

There are lean-tos with campfire sites on the shores of Lakes Kaksilampinen and Hepolampi, and a campfire site at Hiekka on the shore of Lake Jämäsjärvi. The Huuhkajalampi campfire site is no longer maintained and will be removed in the coming years. Outside the official Jämäsvaara trail network, there is a campfire site at Lake Hanhilampi. A lean-to with a campfire site is also located on the shore of Lake Kalliojärvi, off the trail but in a very scenic spot. Viitasaari features a wilderness hut called Jämäshovi.

Attractions

Jämäsvaara and Hepovaara hills, as well as the area’s old-growth forests, are the main natural highlights.