Kolmisoppi-Neulamäki

The Kolmisoppi-Neulamäki area is one of Kuopio's most popular outdoor recreation areas, with routes for year-round use. The area is located southwest of the Neulamäki residential area. There are three marked nature trails winding through the Kolmisoppi-Neulamäki area. The nature trails are almost entirely located within a nature reserve, which is also part of the EU's Natura network. In winter, the area has ski trails, which in summer are wider and easier to traverse as outdoor routes. Additionally, some of the trail network consists of more challenging forest paths. Characteristic features of the area's terrain include large elevation differences and undulating rocky and stony ground. About half of the area's forests are old spruce forests and half are pine-dominated forests. In addition, the area offers various groves, the most spectacular of which is a fern grove along the stream flowing into Kolmisoppi. From Neulamäki kierros, at the top of Suuri Neulamäki, a wide view opens over the forest to the west. In the northeastern part of the area, at the highest point of Neulamäki, there is the Neulamäki observation tower, offering fine views of Kallavesi, Puijo and the direction of Kuopio city centre. The tower can be climbed from the forest side along the Neulamäki jogging path, but you can also drive directly to the spot via Mahlatie. In the middle of the nature reserve is Vuorilampi, at the northern end of which there is a campfire site. In the southwest corner of the area is Pilpan maja, managed by Puijon Latu ry, which includes two lean-tos, a toilet and an outdoor café during the skiing season. The area can be accessed from the northwestern end of Kolmisoppi pond, where there is also a small car park. There are also several other small parking areas along Pilpantie. From the Neulamäki residential area, the area can be accessed, for example, from the end of Juontotie or from the sports field. Bus stops can be found, for example, from the Neulamäki residential area at the end of Juontotie, along Metsurintie and along Kolmisopentie at Kolmisoppi pond.