Pieni Karhunkierros (“Little Bear Trail”) is one of Finland’s most famous and popular hiking trails, located in Oulanka National Park, Kuusamo. This approximately 12-kilometer circular route is perfect for a day hike, offering diverse landscapes such as rapids, suspension bridges, and stunning cliff views. The trail is favored by both beginners and experienced hikers, and its well-marked and easily accessible path, along with excellent facilities, makes it an easy and enjoyable destination.
Pieni Karhunkierros at a Glance
Length: Approximately 12 km
Duration: About 3-5 hours
Parking Area: Juumantie 133, Kuusamo
Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
Description: A well-maintained, easy-to-walk, and diverse trail. Several well-kept rest areas and pleasant stopping points at regular intervals. Varied scenery ranging from rapids and ponds to forests and cliffs.
How to Get There?
The most popular starting point for Pieni Karhunkierros is the Juuma parking area (Juumantie 133, Kuusamo), which can be reached by car or by bus from the Kuusamo-Ruka area. Juuma is about 45 kilometers north of Kuusamoโs city center, and the parking area has clear signage for the trail. During summer, the area can be busy, so it is advisable to arrive early.
From the Juuma parking lot, a 1.5-kilometer connecting path leads to the main circular trail of Pieni Karhunkierros. This path is easy to walk, and along the way, you will already encounter your first rapids and a suspension bridge, offering a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery ahead.
If you do not wish to hike the entire Pieni Karhunkierros, walking from the parking lot to Myllykoski via the connecting trail is a great alternative, especially for families with young children. Myllykoski is one of the trail’s most picturesque spots, featuring a rushing rapid that is mesmerizing to watch. Here, you will find an open wilderness hut housed in an old mill building, as well as a campfire siteโmaking it a great place for a shorter day trip. Myllykoski also has the trailโs second suspension bridge, allowing you to admire the rapids and the historic mill from above the water.
The Trail and Terrain
Pieni Karhunkierros is a circular route, meaning it can be hiked in either direction. However, the recommended route is clockwise, which allows hikers to descend the long Kallioportti stairs rather than climb themโa preferable option for many ๐The trail is well-marked with green trail signs and numerous guideposts, ensuring there is no risk of getting lost. The terrain varies between dense forests, marshlands, cliffs, canyons, and river rapids.
The route has some elevation changes, which combined with its length, make it a demanding hike, but technically it is easy to walk due to its well-maintained paths. There are three suspension bridges along the route.
Highlights Along the Trail
Niskakoski
The first suspension bridge on the trail appears almost immediately after departing from the parking area. Located along the connecting path, the bridge crosses Niskakoski and offers stunning views of the rushing rapids and Ala-Juumajรคrvi. From the very first steps, the bridge sways gently, providing an authentic suspension bridge experience.
Due to its location and weight restrictions, the bridge can create a slight bottleneck on the trail, as both incoming hikers and those returning must cross it. During peak times, alternating passage may cause some queuing on both sides.
We set off on the route in the afternoon, when there was no major traffic on the route, even though our visit was in mid-July, one of Finland’s busiest holiday seasons.
Myllykoski
Myllykoski, located at the beginning of the trail, is undoubtedly one of its highlights. It is a popular photography spot and a designated rest area, offering a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the Pieni Karhunkierros trail. A historic mill stands by the river, adding to the charm of the landscape, making it an inviting place to linger while watching the rushing rapids.
The old mill is open to visitors and serves as a day hut. In addition to the mill, this spot features the second suspension bridge on the trail, providing stunning views of both the historic mill and the rapids downstream. Myllykoski also has a fire pit and dry toilets for hikers’ convenience.
The official circular route begins here, and hikers can choose their preferred direction. However, as mentioned earlier, we recommend following the trail clockwise.
Kallioportti
Just before reaching Kallioportti, the trail follows boardwalks and a winding path past a beautiful marshland, with only a short ascent leading up to the viewpoint.
Kallioportti is the highest point on the Pieni Karhunkierros trail and offers breathtaking views from the edge of a sheer cliff, overlooking the Juuma wetlands, where movement is restricted to protect the valuable vegetation. The viewpoint is an ideal spot for a short break and a moment to enjoy the scenery while celebrating reaching the trailโs highest point.
After the viewpoint, the trail descends via the longest staircase on the routeโapproximately 250 stepsโdropping around 50 meters in elevation. The stairs are well-maintained and easy to walk, whether heading up or down.
Harrisuvanto
Harrisuvanto is an excellent riverside rest area, located just before the halfway point when hiking the trail clockwise.
The site features a spacious shelter with multiple picnic tables, providing ample room for several groups to take a break. A short distance away, there is also a lean-to with a fire pit and a wood storage area, whichโat least during our visitโwas well-stocked with firewood. Additionally, the rest stop includes dry toilets for hikersโ convenience.
Scenically, Harrisuvanto is a peaceful riverbend, making it a great spot for a longer meal break. This location also features the trailโs third suspension bridge, offering yet another chance to admire the beautiful waterside views from above.
Kalliosaari
Kalliosaari, true to its name, is a small yet towering rocky island in the middle of the narrow Kitkajoki River. While it is not an official rest area, it serves as a pleasant spot for a short break. The stunning scenery alone makes it worth a pause to take in the views.
Located around the 7-kilometer mark when hiking clockwise, Kalliosaari offers a unique vantage point to admire the rugged beauty of the river landscape. This was one of our favorite spots in the trail.
Jyrรคvรค
One of the most famous sights on the Pieni Karhunkierros, alongside Myllykoski, is Jyrรคvรคnkoskiโa powerful and impressive waterfall, among the largest in Finland. Located toward the end of the trail when hiking clockwise, its roaring sound can be heard from afar. The area by the rapids is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a snack while admiring the scenery.
Just before reaching Jyrรคvรค, youโll find the Siilastupa rest area, which includes an open wilderness hut, a sheltered picnic area, a fire pit with a wood storage shed, and dry toilets. From here, itโs only 3.5 km to the Juuma parking area.
Other Important Considerations
During peak seasons, such as summer and autumn foliage season, the trail can be quite crowded, particularly on the suspension bridges, which have weight restrictions. Starting your hike early in the morning or later in the evening can help avoid larger crowds.
Note that part of the trail passes through Juumaโs protected marshlands, where movement is only allowed on marked trails (April 1 – December 31). Juumaโs canyon is an ecologically significant and protected area.
In winter, the trail is not maintained, but it remains popular for snowshoeing, which usually keeps the path accessible. However, snow and ice can make the route slippery, so wearing studded shoes or traction aids is recommended.
Summary of the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail
Pieni Karhunkierros is an easy yet diverse trail, making it an excellent choice for a day hike. Clearly marked with green trail signs and well-placed information boards, the route is easy to follow. Well-maintained rest areas with firewood make the hike even more enjoyable.
The terrain is varied and rewarding throughout the journey. Highlights include the stunning cliffs at Kallioportti and the scenic Kitkajoki River, which accompanies hikers for nearly half the trailโat times transforming into roaring rapids, such as at Jyrรคvรค and Myllykoski.
Pieni Karhunkierros offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Oulanka National Park without the need for extensive gear. While the trail is not technically challenging, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and sufficient water and snacks are recommended.
And for those looking for a longer adventure, Oulanka National Park also offers the full Karhunkierros Trailโan 82 km trek. Pieni Karhunkierros follows a section of this longer route along the Kitkajoki River.
