The 15 Best Hiking Trails in Kansas!

Kansas is home to hiking trails offering an abundance of wildlife, whispering prairie grass, and breathtaking, vast sky views that are unmatched. To really become one with the wilderness, all while taking in the nature Kansas has to offer, be sure to check out these 15 excellent hiking trails. 

Companion to the Santa Fe Trail, Elkhart, KS

This 18-mile, primarily flat, dirt, hiking trail is for the easy to moderate hiker. Limestone posts help mark the original trail and interpretive signs explain its history. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on this trail.

Indian Creek Bike & Hike Trail, Overland Park, KS

The nearly 17-mile Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail is paved and generally level with some steep grades. Non-motorized bicycles and dogs on a leash are welcome.

Hike and Pike Path, Hike Great Bend, Great Bend, KS

The Great Bend area offers three hiking trail options, but be sure to take the paved, seven-mile, Hike and Pike Path, along Arkansas River. The Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and The Nature Conservancy Area gives walkers a way to get closer to the abundant nature and wildlife in the area. 

Konza Prairie Trails, Manhattan, KS

These moderate hiking trails are open every day, from dawn to dusk, and offer six miles of hiking trails—through low-land forests, over limestone ledges and across vistas of the breathtaking Flint Hills and the Kansas river valleys. Hikers encounter occasional steep climbs, uneven footing and narrow pathways. All hiking trails begin at the parking area and self-guided trail brochures are available.

Elk River Hiking Trail, Independence, KS

The 15-mile Elk River Hiking Trail is a great full day or two-day hike for the moderate hiker. Trailing along the northwest side of Elk City Lake, the trails offer panoramic views, limestone bluffs, narrow canyons, small streams and rock overhangs. 

Tall Grass Prairie Preserve, Strong City, KS

Tall Grass features over 40 miles of hiking and nature trails that are open all day and night (for only those traveling on foot). Ranging from 3.8 to 13 miles, these trails are moderately challenging. Witness scenic views, wisps of prairie grass blowing in the wind, stunning wildflowers, and so much more. Be sure to enjoy views of the night sky, as well. 

Southwind Rail Trail, Humboldt, KS

A 6.5-mile scenic trail connects the cities of Humboldt and Iola, and is open every day from dusk to dawn for hiking, walking and bicycling. The paved trail is wheelchair accessible, and includes a beautiful historical bridge, abundant wildlife, and rich foliage. The Southwind Rail Trail is links to the 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail in Iola, for an uninterrupted 58-mile route through southeast Kansas.

George Latham Hiking Trail, Berryton, KS

The George Lathan Hiking Trail is a four-mile, lightly traveled, dirt trail that loops near Clinton Lake. A good trail for all skill levels. The trail wanders through forest, open fields and along the shoreline. Wildlife that frequent the trail area, include beavers, coyotes and white-tailed deer. Camping is also provided.

Gary L. Haller Trail, Shawnee, KS

Gary L. Haller National Recreation Trail is a 13.8-mile, point-to-point trail, and is suitable for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running and road-bikes. Rolling hills and maintained wooden planked bridges offer a diverse trail for hikers and bicyclists. 

Linear Trail, Manhattan, KS

The Linear Trail is 3.8 miles and mildly trafficked. This point-to-point trail offers explorers excellent river views. The surface of this trail is composed of crushed limestone. Hikers are welcome year-round, of all skill levels. 

Mushroom Rock State Park, Brookville, KS

Mushroom Rock State Park is a 0.2-mile, lightly traveled loop trail, located on five acres. The small nature trail features several unique rock formations, some of which appear as large mushrooms. The largest rock mushroom formation measures about 25 feet in diameter. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding, and is accessible year-round. 

Southeast Kansas Nature Center at Schermerhorn Park, Galena, KS

The Southeast Kansas Nature Center at Schermerhorn Park offers both wooded and grass trails, with trails leading to Schermerhorn Cave. The cave is home to grotto salamanders, dark-sided salamanders, cave salamanders, and the gray belly salamander. Rare species of mussels, the Neosho Mucket and Rabbitsfoot can be found near the Spring River areas. The park is open Monday thru Friday and closed on Sundays.

Wilderness Park, Pittsburg, KS

Wilderness Park has almost five miles of trails that take hikers through wooded areas, natural grasslands, wetlands, and tributaries. Most of the trail system is handicap accessible, except for parts of the trail that leads to ridges formed by open pit mining.

Riverwalk Trail, Junction City, KS

The winding 4.8-mile trail parallels the Republican River to near the entrance of Fort Riley. The trail is made of limestone and can be easily navigated by any skill level. This trail connects to the Old River Bluff trail and continues to the Milford State Park's Trail system, offering hikers 14 miles of continuous hiking trails. 

Cedar Bluff State Park, Ogallah, KS

The 100-foot-tall limestone bluffs on the south side of Cedar Bluff Reservoir are said to be spectacular, especially around sunrise or sunset. Other than a gravel road, there is no maintained trails at the bluffs, but visitors are free to hike close to the cliffs. The bluffs overlook the 6,000-acre Cedar Bluff Reservoir. Certain permits are required year-round and are available from the park office or a self-serve station. 

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Flint Hills Nature Trail, Herington, KS
The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches for 117 miles across east-central Kansas, from Osawatomie in the east to Herington in the west, and passes t... Read More
Located next to the Republican River, the River Walk gives you an opportunity to explore the northern bank of the river from Fort Riley to Milford ... Read More
2480 B KS Hwy 177, Strong City, KS
Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. Within a generation the vast majority was developed and plowed under. Today less... Read More
3612 State Park Rd., Milford, KS
Located northwest of Junction City, west of K-77 on K-57 Located on the southeast shore of the state's largest lake, 16,000-acre Milford Reservoir... Read More
School Creek Rd, Junction City, KS
Get your motorcycles and ATVs ready....the School Creek Off-Road Vehicle Area is full of trails for the beginner to the expert! Did I say "full of ... Read More
Centrally located on Kanopolis Reservoir and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), Smoky Hill Wildlife Area cons... Read More
618 NE Bluestem Rd., El Dorado, KS
Located 3 miles east of El Dorado on US-54 and 1 mile north One of the top state parks in America based on fishing, boating and family fun, El Dor... Read More
6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS
Our Goals:  - Provide opportunities to the public to learn about natural resources, especially the wildlife and plant species, of the Great P... Read More
100 Konza Prairie Lane, Manhattan, KS
Most of Konza was once a part of the Dewey Cattle Ranch. In the 1970's, the Nature Conservancy purchased the property, over 13 square miles. It is ... Read More
History: Construction of the 1.75 mile long stretch of the Redbud Trail from 159th Street to the 13th Street Sports Park is complete!  The pr... Read More
100 Konza Prairie lane,, Manhattan, KS
Konza Prairie's hiking trails wind through lowland gallery forest, cross Kings Creek, and climb over ancient limestone ledges into the native tallg... Read More
4207 E. 56th, Hutchinson, KS
Located north of Hutchinson, about one mile east of K-61 on either 56th Street or 69th Street Sand Hills State Park, a 1,123 acre natura... Read More
Interstate I-70 County Road 109, Manhattan, KS
Konza Prairie's hiking trails wind through lowland gallery forest, cross Kings Creek, and climb over ancient limestone ledges into the native tallg... Read More
Off Hayes Drive South of Casement Road, Manhattan, KS
Hikers-bikers follow a picturesque path from Anneberg Park back to Manhattan’s east side and the Northeast Community Park along Knox Lane.  Read More
419 S. Oak, Garnett, KS
This linear park is located along a former rail bed between Iola and Ottawa, a distance of 51 miles. The city of Garnett is the midway point, and t... Read More
200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, KS
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette along K-141, about 5 miles north of the K-4/K-141 junction (or) about 7 miles sout... Read More
200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, KS
Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway northwest of Marquette about 5 miles north of Kanopolis Reservoir and State Park, 3 miles west of K-141 o... Read More
5800 A River Pond Rd, Manhattan, KS
Four units (River Pond, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek and Randolph) make up the 1,200 - acre park. Electric and water hookups, a swimming beach, boat ra... Read More
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