Bensåsleden 19 km

Circular trail from Garpenberg to Bensåsgruvan in Hedemora municipality. The trail passes many remnants from forestry and mining operations, such as charcoal pit locations and mines.

Starting Point: A loop trail with multiple places to access and exit the track. The recommended starting point is Garpenberg. Length: 19 km, loop trail. Trail Markings: The trail has orange markings, signs, and information boards along the way. Difficulty: Easy. The trail mostly runs on paths, but also includes some gravel roads and asphalt in the village of Garpenberg. Parking: At Garpenbergs gammelgård or Garpenberg church. Trail Description: The Bensåsleden in Hedemora offers contrasts, where old remnants meet the new. The area has active forestry, with forests of different types and ages, including recently harvested areas. The trail also passes the modern Garpenberg mine, the wind park in Högtjärn, and many remnants of forestry and mining, such as charcoal kilns and mines, including the mine tunnel Morfars ort, which is accessible for entry. It also goes through the villages of Bensåsen and Högtjärn, part of Södra Dalarna's Finn settlement with many tenant farm remains and traces of past agriculture. In the village of Bensåsen, the trail goes through pastures where animals graze in summer. There are several rest areas along the way. Shelters for overnight stays and barbecue areas are available, for example, at Finnhytte-Dammsjön, Stora Jälken, Morfars ort, or Erkers fars ort. At the start in Garpenberg, there's also a charcoal hut used for overnight stays. You can also connect to the Bensåsleden from the Konnsjöleden. For those wanting to use GPS, a GPX file is available for download on the association's website. The trail is maintained by the Garpenberg local heritage association. Visit Dalarna is not responsible for the trail or its maintenance. Keep in mind that trails are affected by season and weather, so please check conditions before heading out on your hiking trip.