Kivijärven rengasreitti

Starting point: Tervalamminsuo parking area, Antinsuontie 402, Tammela

The parking area has space for about 20 cars, and an information board in the corner. When hiking the loop clockwise, start by following Antinsuontie west for about 200 metres, then turn right onto a narrow path that winds through clear-cut forest areas of various ages, with patches of forest in between. The path width and terrain type remain relatively consistent from start to end, so here you will already get a good sense of the route’s overall difficulty. The entire trail is clearly marked with blue squares.

The route soon crosses a gravel road, and after 1.3 km, it crosses a power line. The terrain is undulating, with duckboards in some of the boggier sections.

After the power line, the going becomes a bit easier as the path descends through sparse pine woodland to Herttuantie. The route briefly passes through spruce forest west of the road before crossing the road again at a T-junction, from where it continues uphill to the northeast. The same power line is soon crossed a second time.

The path winds first through young pines, then mixed forest, before crossing a road. Soon after, it crosses the Syrjälänpuro stream via a small bridge, then continues straight along the edge of a clear-cut area and into mature commercial forest.

After two road crossings, the route follows a gravel road for about 600 metres to a turning point, where a forest path heads towards Heinissuonlampi pond. About 250 metres before the pond, you’ll find Ilvesreitti trail signs. Turn right here, following the Kivijärvi sign.

The path ascends gently, meanders through the forest, and crosses a clear-cut area. About 900 metres ahead at Levoniemi, follow the road for a few dozen metres, then turn left onto a path that descends towards the boggy and reedy shore of Lake Levoniemenjärvi.

After crossing Riimalantie, the route closely follows Pyhälammintie towards Kivijärvi. There are some boggy and difficult sections, where you can easily leave the path and follow the road instead.

From the Ilvesreitti sign, turn right onto a path marked with yellow squares, which reaches the shore of Lake Kivijärvi after about 400 metres. Here you will find a cosy lean-to shelter, a dry toilet, and a woodshed. There are also spaces to pitch a tent around the lean-to. The lake has a muddy bottom, and the shoreline is shallow.

From the lean-to, return along the same path to Pyhälammintie. The route continues on the northern side of the road, ascending steeply through beautiful, mossy forest. You may catch the glimmer of Lake Kivijärvi from the top of a small hill. The path remains narrow but becomes clearer and more well-trodden.

After crossing a road, the trail skirts the boggy shores of Käyrälammi and arrives at Pikkulampi, where there is a bench for a snack break. Next to the bench, Ilvesreitti signs indicate the direction towards Lake Kivisammaljärvi.

The path to Kivisammaljärvi rises and falls steeply through mossy spruce forest. After a short road section, you will find the end of the lake, with an information board and parking space for two cars. The trail follows the southern shore of the lake, and there is a bench at the opposite end.

Lake Kivisammaljärvi merges into Lake Keritty, following the shore southwards. This lakeside trail is slightly wider and smoother compared to previous sections. A bog is crossed at Suutarinnokka, and Leponokka offers a nice spot for a snack break.

Before reaching Riimalanlahti, the route curves past a red house, skirting private land, before returning to the boggy shoreline with a bench. As you leave Lake Keritty behind, the terrain becomes undulating and mossy. After a grassy turning point, the route follows a forestry machine track and then a forest path.

The path crosses Riimalantie (there is parking space for a few cars here) and follows the right side of Hiilikämpäntie. Between Isomäki and Korkeamäki, logging operations make for slightly more challenging terrain. The trail ascends first gradually, then steeply, to the top of Korkeamäki, offering long views through gaps in the trees.

The trail descends steeply from the hill, crossing a short but wet bog section to reach a road. Turn left and follow the road for about 500 metres to a turning point. A grassy path leads through pine forest to the shore of Onkimaanjärvi, where there is a bench and Ilvesreitti signs.

Continue along the shoreline to the right. The narrow path closely follows the shore and offers beautiful views of the lake. At Kurkisuonlahti there is a bridge with stairs.

From the bridge it is about 1.5 km to the Onkimaanjärvi lean-to, which is a good spot for a break or an overnight stay. Behind the lean-to you will find a dry toilet and a woodshed.

From the lean-to, follow a flat and easy forest road for about 1.5 km back to the Tervalamminsuo parking area.