North Shore Loop: An Easy Half-Day Walk
A gentle 4-kilometer loop with multiple rest spots. Perfect for those who want a straightforward waterside route without heading inland.
Read GuideEastern Trail Through the Woods: Distance & Time
A moderate 6-kilometer route that moves away from the water briefly to explore the forested sections. Takes about 90 minutes at a comfortable pace with a few stops.
14 min read
Intermediate
July 2026
Written by
Kaunas Reservoir Editorial Team
Written by the Kaunas Reservoir editorial team, focused on honest, practical guidance for waterside walks and rest areas.
What You'll Find on the Eastern Trail
The Eastern Trail isn't your typical waterside stroll. You'll start near the reservoir shore, but this route dips inland through proper woodland. The forest canopy is thick here — which means you get decent shade even on warm days. It's not heavily trafficked compared to the north shore paths, so you'll find a quieter experience.
The trail itself is well-maintained. You're walking on packed earth and gravel for most of it, with a few sections of wooden boardwalk where the ground gets boggy. That's actually one of the nice things about this route — you're not trudging through mud. The surface is forgiving on your knees and ankles, which matters when you're doing 90 minutes on your feet.
Distance, Duration, and Pacing
The route is 6 kilometers total. If you're walking at a steady 3.5 kilometers per hour — which is a comfortable pace for most people — you're looking at about 90 minutes. That assumes you're not stopping much. Realistically, most people stop twice. There's a decent bench at the 2-kilometer mark where the trail opens up slightly. Another rest point is at 4 kilometers, near a small clearing.
We'd recommend adding 30 minutes if you want to actually sit and rest properly. Bring a packed snack — nothing fancy. A banana, some biscuits, water. It makes a difference when you're halfway through and your energy dips a bit.
Terrain and What to Expect
The eastern section is hillier than the north shore loop. Nothing extreme — we're talking gentle slopes. You'll gain maybe 80 meters of elevation total across the 6 kilometers. Your legs notice it, but it's not exhausting if you take your time. The real challenge isn't the hills; it's the uneven sections. The woodland floor can be bumpy. Good footwear helps. Not hiking boots necessarily, but trainers with decent ankle support.
The boardwalk sections are brilliant for people with balance concerns. They're wide enough, well-maintained, and honestly quite pleasant. The forest smells different on the boardwalk — damper, more green. You'll notice mushrooms growing on dead logs. Ferns everywhere. It's genuinely pretty.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 6 kilometers
- Duration: 90 minutes (with stops)
- Elevation gain: approximately 80 meters
- Surface: Gravel, earth, boardwalk sections
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Getting There and Parking
The trailhead is on the eastern side of the reservoir, accessible from the main road. There's a small car park — about 15 spaces. It's usually free, but it does fill up on weekends. If you're going on a Saturday or Sunday morning, arrive by 9 a.m. or you'll be parking further back. There's a small shelter near the entrance, which is useful if the weather turns while you're waiting.
Public transport gets you close. There's a bus stop about 400 meters from the trailhead. From the city center, it's roughly 20 minutes. If you're driving, the car park has decent access. The path from the car park to the trail itself is flat and paved.
Weather and Seasonal Conditions
The forest canopy helps here. In summer, you've got shade — which is why this route is popular in July and August. Winter is passable but muddy in places. The boardwalk helps, but you'll need proper waterproof footwear. Spring is beautiful. Everything's growing, birds are everywhere. Autumn is probably the best season for this route. Cooler temperatures, fewer insects, and the light through the trees is exceptional.
Check the weather before you go. This route can get slippery if it's been raining heavily. The gravel sections stay reasonably grippy, but the forest floor — especially the parts without boardwalk — can be slick.
Is This the Right Route for You?
The Eastern Trail works well if you want something more interesting than a simple waterside loop, but you're not ready for serious hiking. It's intermediate difficulty — not easy, not challenging. You'll feel like you've done something, but you won't be exhausted. The woodland setting is genuinely different from the shore paths. You're getting trees, shade, and that particular quiet that comes with being away from water.
Bring proper footwear, pack some water and a snack, and give yourself the full 2 hours including breaks. Don't rush it. The point of these walks is to move at a pace that feels right for you. That's the whole thing.
A Note on Safety and Fitness
Choose activities that match your fitness level, check local conditions before travelling, and speak with your GP if you have health concerns before starting a new activity. Trail conditions can change with weather. If you have mobility concerns, test a shorter section first. The forest can be uneven — take your time.
Explore More Routes
Discover other walks around the reservoir that match your pace
Best Picnic Spots Around the Reservoir
We've mapped out the five best locations for a proper rest with a packed lunch. Each spot has its own character and advantages.
Read Guide
What to Bring: Essential Items for a Comfortable Walk
A practical checklist covering footwear, weather protection, hydration, and what makes a difference when you're out for 90 minutes or more.
Read Guide