Use the links below for descriptions of the state's top trails.
For details on all
these trails and many more, click here to order Kansas Outdoor
Treasures
Top Mountain Bike Trails in Kansas
Challenging,
rocky routes through cedar forests … rollercoaster
hillsides … red rock canyons on sandy trails! Following is a short
list of the best-kept secrets in Kansas mountain biking (east to west).
Crawford State Park (Fort Scott)
The Drywood Creek hike and bike trail is a 7-mile circuit surrounding Lake Crawford
in Southeast Kansas. Rated moderate with technical sections, the single track
is often level with a few steep inclines. The trail is most scenic on the eastern
and southern ends where it traverses a rocky, wooded bluff overlooking the lake.
Riders will encounter stream crossings although none are likely to be treacherous
unless flooding occurs.
Elk City Lake (Independence)
Eagle Rock mountain bike trail begins at the spillway where a sign and map mark
the trailhead and indicate sections designed for beginning, intermediate and
advanced skill riders. Roller coaster dips, switchbacks, head-on climbs and log
jumps provide a variety of experience for the rider on the 4.5-mile route. Riverside
views and boulders, old growth forest and native grasses are all a part of the
scenery.
Perry Lake State Park (Topeka)
Originated to provide Kansans with a competitive course, many avid riders agree
the Perry Bike Trail system is the best and most challenging bike trail in Kansas.
With steep successive climbs, switchbacks and many technical areas, some warn
not to ride this trail without a “real” bike and a quality helmet.
The trails consume the peninsula and head up the lakeshore. Eleven named trails
combine for more than 20 miles of single-track.
Tuttle Creek Reservoir (Manhattan)
The Fancy Creek Mountain Bike Trail offers two
trailheads and 4-5 miles of challenging terrain for intermediate and
advanced riders. Scenery alternates from lake views high over the reservoir
to dark, cedar forest riddled with ancient limestone boulders. Upper
sections are very rocky and a few sections can be ridden by only the
most experienced. Technical areas and switchbacks interrupt flowing sections.
Intermittent streams are common.
Kanopolis State Park (southwest of Salina)
Red sandy trails run at the base of rolling hills with red rock outcrops. Sandstone
pillars and arches, balanced boulders and mini caves hang over the Horsethief
Trail. The 25-mile, color-coded, multi-use trail system is open to cyclists and
offers some deep sand with slick rock outcroppings and shelves. Moderate climbs,
technical challenges and stunning scenery may take your breath away. There are
many water crossings on the trail. Cyclists begin at trailhead C.
Wilson Lake & State Park (west of Salina)
Switchgrass Bike Trail has grown to 12
outstanding miles and earned its nickname “the rollercoaster.” Even
from the park road you can see the single track hover above ravines and
hug steep hillsides as it crosses the road for a wild, but scenic ride.
Panoramic vistas, sandstone canyons, rock outcrops and lake views are
the payoff for this challenging single track. Three color-coded loops
are marked plus there are plans to add a loop for beginners.
For more information on mountain biking trails in Kansas, order Kansas
Outdoor Treasures (Trails books, a division of Big Earth Publishing)