2012
Trail reviews
and photos
2011
Trail reviews
and photos
New
trails at Wyandotte
Hillsdale Lake
2010
Trail reviews
and photos
Mill
Creek Streamway / Gary Haller Trail
October 3, 2010
Although it is only the first weekend in October, fall foliage is beginning
to appear along the Mill Creek Streamway trail system. The 17-mile system begins
at the confluence of Mill Creek and the Kansas River. It follows Mill Creek
south all the way to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop in Olathe. The mid section
of the trail adjoins the western edge of Shawnee Mission Park in Lenexa. There
are seven official trailheads (plus four minor) some with restrooms and running
water, others with plentiful parking, picnic facilities or playground equipment.
On warms days children make their way down the banks of the creek to cool off
and splash about. This trail is a very popular route and visitors can only
expect solitude on a weekday. Weekends often entertain hikers, families with
scooters and dogs, roller-bladers, joggers and cyclists. Cyclists should not
expect high speeds on a weekend. However, weekend evenings are a well-kept
secret for solitude and beauty.
The trail backs up to yards, park areas, natural areas, farmland, crops, wetlands,
prairies and woodlands creating quite a diverse experience over 17 miles. The
photos posted were taken between the Barker Road Access and the 87th Lane Access.
All sections are scenic, with the exception of industrial views near the Mid-america
Sports Complex. For challenging hills unexpected in Kansas, head
south from Midland Drive Access point and keep left at the fork. The entire
system is an asphalt surface, but unpaved trails can be found at Shawnee Mission
Park and can also be accessed from the Midland Drive Access bridge over the
creek. Out of town visitors could spend an entire weekend combining the Gary
Haller trail with Shawnee Mission Park and the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and
Farm. For a detailed map and for trailhead information, visit www.jcprd.com.