Guided Events
An invitation to attend guided events (such as the following) will be sent to subscribers of Kansas Trailhead Newsletter. Many are free, some may require admission fees. All require an RSVP. Please join us! It's a great way to explore unfamiliar places and meet people with similar interests. Click here to subscribe to Kansas Trailhead now.

For beginning hikers ...
March 29 • Hike the George Latham Trail at Clinton Lake
Subscribers of Kansas Trailhead are invited to a guided 2.5-hour hike on the George Latham Trail, in Woodridge Park on the northwest side of Clinton Lake. Great for beginners and intermediate hikers, this 4.5-mile circuit trail sometimes nears the shoreline and sometimes offers panoramic vistas from above the lake. The rugged trail passes through terrain that alternates between prairie areas and deep wooded ravines as it circles the perimeter of a peninsula. Remnants from an old homestead remain.

For experienced hikers ...
May 3 •  Hike the Fancy Creek Trail at Tuttle Creek Lake (FULL)
Tuttle Creek Reservoir lies at the base of the Flint Hills and softly eroded canyons. Subscribers of Kansas Trailhead are invited to hike The Fancy Creek Trail which is lengthy and challenging. Its 8 miles of single-track weave through ancient, lichen-covered limestone in cedar forest with many water crossings. One section of trail climbs switchbacks on the side of a bluff overlooking the lake below. Pack water, lunch and snacks for the trail and we’ll spend 4-5 hours hiking with short hourly breaks. We'll have lunch near the halfway point.

For beginning and advanced paddlers ...
June 21 • Learn to Canoe with Friends of the Kaw
Kick off summer with a 10-mile float down the Kansas River (between Lawrence and Kansas City). The Kansas River is normally a gentle, scenic float and a great place to learn paddling skills. Non-profit group, Friends of the Kaw will provide a guide, provide necessary equipment and shuttles. They start us off with a safety talk and basic paddling instruction. We'll stop mid way and roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire while enjoying a "sandbar seminar" on the river. They will take a maximum of 28 (or 14 canoes). This will be a full day, meeting at 8:30 a.m. and likely returning around 4 p.m. Friends of the Kaw will proceed in the event of light rain, but will reschedule if lightening and heavy rain threatens.

Cost: $30 per person. Includes equipment, guide, lunch.

Great for beginning hikers and photographers...
Sept 20 • Kansas Flint Hills Hiking & Day Trip
Take a day trip to hike the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the heart of the Flint Hills (near Emporia). Meet at 10 a.m. to hike a 2-mile loop to the picturesque one-room, limestone schoolhouse and then we'll tour the historic Spring Hill ranch complex built from hand-cut native limestone. We'll have a picnic lunch while we wait for our Ranger-guided, backcountry bus tour. After an interesting lesson on the prairie ecosystem and Flint Hills geology, we'll hop off the bus and hike back (3.2 miles.) Bring your camera to capture the dramatic views, rocks, wildflowers and grasshoppers.

Cost: $10 covers park fees and lunch. (Transportation not included.) Participants must be in good physical condition, able to be on their feet for 2 or 3 hours. We will proceed rain or shine so come prepared.

Subscribe to Kansas Trailhead for details.