The best hiking routes in Põlva County

Põlva County offers a landscape of gently rolling pine forests, deep river primeval valleys, and expansive peat bogs. Unlike the flat coastal plains of western Estonia, this southeastern region is defined by its sandstone outcrops and undulating terrain carved by ancient meltwaters. Walkers will find a distinct contrast between the dry, soft pine needle paths of the upland forests and the damp, springy peat of the peatlands.

Without major national parks in this specific county, walking here means choosing between two main landscape types. The river valleys, such as those around the Ahja River, feature steep red sandstone cliffs rising directly from the water, where paths are often narrow, packed dirt with exposed tree roots. In contrast, the open bog areas are crossed by wooden boardwalks that keep you above the wet moss, offering a wide-open view of stunted pines and dark bog pools.

In October, the deciduous trees along the valley slopes turn a bright yellow, contrasting sharply with the dark green pines and the red sandstone. Underfoot, you should expect a mix of sandy forest tracks, wooden planks in the wetter sections, and occasional clay patches near the riverbanks. It is a quiet region where you can easily avoid the busier trailheads by choosing the smaller forest tracks that connect the local lakes.