Family Hike

Let's go to the forest with the family!

Accessible Family Hike on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

As part of the Vuokatti Hiking event, the Family Hike will take place in Vuokatti on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This year's Family Hike allows participants to immerse themselves in a fairy-tale atmosphere and search for hidden treasures in the forest. The Family Hike is open to everyone and free of charge, and separate registration is not required. Families can embark on the hike at their own pace during the event.

The center of the Family Hike is the Vuokatinhovi area (address: Vuokatinhovintie 15, 88610 Vuokatti). The starting point is near the Vuokatin Hovi parking area, and there are clear signs leading to the starting point. You can reach the starting point by taking the accessible lakeside route from Vuokatti Sports Institute or by using the road by car, walking, biking, or using a wheelchair. Vehicles can be parked at the Vuokatin Hovi parking area.

At the end of the Family Hike, participants can enjoy packed lunches or even grill sausages at "Kammi." Kammi is accessible and also has an accessible toilet.

The route of the Family Hike is accessible with assistance. The accessibility challenges arise from elevation differences, uneven terrain, and the surface material of the route.

 Family Hike: Challenging Accessible Route (The most challenging section of the route is described below.)

The ascent on the asphalt ski tunnel path, the first section approximately 250 meters long, with an incline ranging from 5% to 18% throughout the hill.

After the asphalt section, the path transitions to partly soft sand, where users of mobility aids should be prepared with larger-wheeled equipment. For instance, wheelchair users are recommended to use a front-wheel attachment (nokkapyörä) and assistance. This section, around 350 meters long, features inclines ranging from 10% to 15%. The width of the path is over 2 meters.

Following the ski tunnel entrance, the route takes a sharp right turn after a short asphalt section. The path continues as a firmer sand-based trail with some tree roots, allowing independent wheelchair movement. The route is clockwise, and after completing a circular segment, it returns to asphalt surface. The route descends the same steep hill towards the starting point, now as a downhill stretch, near Vuokatin Hovi.

The return to Vuokatti Sports Institute can be done along the accessible lakeside route of Särkinen or via the pedestrian pathway along the side of Vuokatin Hovi road. These sections do not pose demanding challenges to mobility. The surface of the accessible lakeside route is solid crushed stone, and the width of the route is four meters. These segments also serve as accessible paths for those interested in a longer hike towards the actual starting point of the route (indicated on the map with red and blue dashed lines).

The accessible family hike is organized in collaboration with students from Kainuu Vocational College's tourism program. The Family Hike is also a part of MALIKE, an event organized by the Finnish CP Association and the Nature for All Kainuu project (Finnish Paralympic Committee and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences), focusing on adaptive outdoor activities over the weekend.

For more information:
Ira Liuski
ira.liuski(a)kainuunliikunta.fi
phone: 044-5325918

Welcome aboard!