Latokartanonkosken luontopolku

The Latokartanonkoski nature trail starts from the nature trail's parking area, located near the lower course of Latokartanonkoski. The nature trail circles the beautiful riverside scenery of Latokartanonkoski, returning to the starting point. To reach the parking area, turn off Hästöntie (address approximately Hästöntie 140), then drive about 300 metres along a private road until you reach the parking area. The parking area does not have an official address. The coordinates of the parking area are N 60° 7.812' and E 23° 9.363'. A signpost "Latokartanonkoski" guides you from Hästöntie to the nature trail's starting point (the parking area). Latokartanonkoski is currently being developed as part of the FRESHABIT LIFE IP - Rivers of Southwest Finland project, coordinated by the ELY Centre for Southwest Finland. Through this project, Latokartanonkoski will receive, among other things, a new information board at the starting point of the nature trail (showing basic information about the nature trail and the route itself), new route markers and signposts, and information boards for various sights and attractions along the nature trail. In addition, the project will improve and supplement the existing path network. Latokartanonkoski is the most impressive rapid area in Southern Finland, home to several historical structures such as the Näse manor mill, the miller's cottage, and the foundations of a tilt hammer forge. The rapids have a drop height of almost 17 metres. The large mill of Latokartano, built of grey stone and slag brick, was constructed in 1805 and ceased operations in 1962. The nature of the rapid area is also diverse, home to various insect and bird species, as well as trout and otters in the rushing waters. From the parking area, the nature trail leads to the ruins of the old mill situated on the bank of Latokartanonkoski. The roar of the rapids can be observed from the two bridges crossing it, where the rapids are at their best during spring and autumn floods. The nature trail winds between steep slopes, where the trees arching around it create a jungle-like atmosphere in summer. The nature trail returns to the starting point after circling the riverside scenery of the rapids.