Skiers can choose between an easy (3 km) and a more challenging (7 km) trail. There are more than 50 kilometres of maintained ski trails in the park, which are suitable for both classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing. If you are looking to go deeper into the wilderness, there is a lit trail (22 km) along the edges of the National Park.

You can find up-to-date trail information on the ladulle.fi site.

Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights, except where specific restrictions apply.

Persons aged 18-69 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). If you fish with more than one rod, you also need Metsähallitus' angling permit no 7413 for Southern Finland (eraluvat.fi).

For trap fishing (in National Park water area off Koli), in addition to paying the fisheries management fee, you will need Metsähallitus' trap fishing permit no 7003 for Lieksa (eraluvat.fi). Permits can also be purchased by phone at +358 20 69 2424.

Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing in advantage at kalastusrajoitus.fi.

For canoeing and rowing, you have a choice between the vast expanses of Lake Pielinen and the long and narrow Lake Herajärvi. Canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and SUP board can be hired at the park. There are campfire sites as well as lean-to shelters and cabins along the marked canoeing routes, or you can bring your own tent.

The islands of Lake Pielinen can be accessed by motorboat but there are no ramps or jetties. Services for boaters are available at Koli Marina.

Cyclist can use the park's private roads as well as marked cycle routes along the shores of Lake Herajärvi and Lake Jeronjärvi.

Downhill skiing is another great way to take in the scenery. Ukko-Koli is the biggest (230-m vertical drop) and most demanding ski resort in southern Finland and challenges even the most experienced skiers. Ukko-Koli has six slopes, which can be accessed from Koli Nature Centre Ukko and Break Sokos Hotel Koli. There is also a chairlift from the shores of Lake Pielinen to the top of Ukko-Koli, and it is worth going up to admire the views even if you do not want to ski.

There are several sandy beaches on the islands and along the shores of Lake Pielinen. The best swimming opportunity is at Koli Marina but there is no official swimming spot in the National Park.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Koli is on horseback. The park has three bridleways, and some sections of the routes can be used throughout the year. Good destinations for riders include Paimenenvaara hill and old farmyards that can be found scattered around the park. Guided riding tours are available for beginners and inexperienced riders. Options range from lead-rein sessions lasting a few hours to two-day riding excursions.

The park is not just a treat to the eyes; you can also indulge your taste buds with bilberries, lingonberries and raspberries as well as edible mushrooms.

Koli is a great place for spotting species such as ospreys, red-flanked bluetails and lesser black-backed gulls.