Erkin poloku 3.5 km, Kajaani

The starting point of the route is on Heinisuontie, where there is a large parking area. About 500 meters from the start, an 800-meter-long Ketopolku path branches off to the left. Along the Ketopolku, in addition to meadows, there are old spruces and pines as well as young seedlings. After 1.3 km, the Ketopolku rejoins the main Erkin polku and continues through a pine-dominated mixed forest crossing the old Heinisuontie road. After walking 2 km, you can choose whether to continue on the main Erkin polku or shorten the route by taking a shortcut through the dwarf forest, which shortens the route by 0.5 km. Shortly after the dwarf forest, you reach a crossing of a skiing trail, and the route continues according to the signpost into the pine forest, until after about 300 meters the skiing trail is crossed again. At 2.5 km from the starting point, there is a well-maintained lean-to shelter and campfire site. From behind the shelter, you can reach a well-maintained and wide gravel-surfaced path to the skiing trail, so the shelter is also accessible without barriers. Erkin polku continues from the front corner of the shelter downhill through an old, fairytale-like spruce forest, where small streams and ditches run, crossed by bridges back to the parking area.

Clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.

Bridges, stones, and roots can be slippery when wet.

The route's starting point is near Kajaani city center at Heinisuontie 38 B, Kajaani. 

The stop of Kajaani public transport line three is located near the starting point of the route. 

Parking area at the starting point.

If desired, the hike can be extended by the Ketopolku path that goes through the meadow or lightened by using the area's shortcuts.