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
Hiking Trails in Kansas
From the
famous, striped Flint Hills to the lesser-known Smoky Hills and semi-arid
climate of western Kansas, hiking trails are varied thanks
to the diverse geology. Following is a list of the most scenic day hikes
in Kansas (from east to west).
Table Mound National Recreation Trail at Elk City SP (Independence)
Blue waters peek
through the trees on most of the rugged 3-mile path. The trail becomes
steep and challenging, squeezing between stone slabs and rock walls,
and passing cave-like formations. Some scrambling is required at the
top,
but the pay off is a stunning view of the valley below from a rock ledge
far above the dam. Lengthen your hike with additional short loop trails
found on each end of the trail.
George Latham Trail at Clinton Lake (Lawrence)
Along the 4.5-mile loop, well-placed
primitive campsites lead to visions of morning campfires accompanied
by the sound of water lapping the limestone shores and geese honking
overhead. The circuit trail sometimes nears the water’s edge and
sometimes offers panoramic vistas from overhead alternating between prairie
areas and deep wooded ravines.
Nature Trail at the Konza Biological Preserve (south
of Manhattan)
A 2.8-mile, interpretive trail
begins a steep climb among the Flint Hills. The payoff is traveling rocky
ridgetops that look into watersheds, across ravines and ranchlands. Views
of the Kansas River valley come into view below you. Limestone rubble
is scattered about the hillsides. Stunning wildflower displays begin
in June. Unending aerial views from the ridge are surprising and you
may find the wind invincible.
Scenic Overlook Trail at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (west of Emporia)
This trail is also the
route of the ranger-guided bus tour, which climbs 300 feet to an overlook
at 3.2 miles (one-way). Backcountry trails treat hikers to stunning,
unending vistas. The light plays on softly eroded hilltops, clouds cast
dramatic shadows on the valleys below while wildflowers add streaks of
color to the steep slopes. You’ll get a birds-eye view of the impressive
limestone homestead where cattle linger around watering holes and sometimes
become hiking companions.
Horsethief Trail at Kanopolis Lake SP (southwest of
Salina)
Beside red sandy trails are rolling
hills with sandstone outcrops. Pillars, arches and balanced boulders
are some of the features that hang over the 5.5-mile Horsethief Trail.
Scramble up to a mini-cave for your own private overlook or hold out
for a break in the Red Rock Canyon. Keep watch for barking villagers
-- the adorable prairie dog. If water crossings keep you from the trails,
sign
up for
horseback riding at the General Store.
Rock Town Natural Area and hiking trail at Wilson Lake (west
of Salina)
Registered
as a natural and scientific area, this 3-mile prairie loop ascends
hills and rocky terrain skirting the rim of a shallow canyon to overlook
Wilson
Lake’s crescent-shaped beach with 3 colorful sandstone sentinels.
The trail, located in Lucas Park, is rated moderate for some steep
slopes.
Multi-purpose trail
at Cedar Bluff SP (west of Hays)
Copper-colored rocks peak out
from impressive green hills and buttes as you hike through prairie
grasses
accompanied by the sounds of ecstatic birds on this 5-mile loop. The
variety of wildflowers is surprising as the trail climbs to views overlooking
the lake while colorful fishing boats float below you. The trail can
be rugged and uneven in parts with short but steep climbs awarding
this trail a moderate rating.
Multi-use trail at Lake Scott SP (north of Garden
City)
Like a mirage, a blue lake appears
enveloped by buttes and mesas. The landscape is dotted with yucca,
cactus and sage
in the High Plains Region. A 7-mile trail circles the spring-fed lake
and travels below a ridge eroded from the Ogallala formation. This
rugged path offers many side trails that tempt you to scramble up the
craggy
bluffs -- some of which offer the best views and surprising vistas
of the canyon and lake below.
For
more information on these Kansas day hikes and more, order Kansas
Outdoor Treasures (Trails Books, a division
of Big Earth Publishing).