2012
Trail reviews
and photos
2011
Trail reviews
and photos
New
trails at Wyandotte
Hillsdale Lake
2010
Trail reviews
and photos
Wyandotte
County Lake Trail
January 2, 2011
I'm delighted to review a segment of trail added at Wyandotte County
Lake. The trail is a single track, natural surface through delightful,
rolling terrain.
While there are no lake views, the trail climbs in and out of steep ravines with
minor switchbacks. It hugs the hillsides (occasionally with steep drop offs),
and ducks under fallen logs as it winds through a heavily wooded tract of land
in the northwest corner of the park. A knotted rope attached to a tree can be
used for assistance on one particularly steep downhill switchback. The trail
continues along the edge of the forest with lovely views of the flood plain behind
the dam. Finally, the route cuts back inland at the base of an enormous hill,
alongside a wet-weather creek then makes an easy, but steady climb out of the
woods. The trail exit is north of its entrance on the park road, so follow the
road south to return to your vehicle. Allow about an hour to complete the 3-mile
loop.
The trailhead is not indicated. Park on the circle driveway for the archery range
(also the off-leash dog area.) Some limestone boulders flank the trail entrance
on the north side of the road. Easier to see in the winter, you may have to wander
the treeline to find the opening in months with foliage. Please note: this trail
is likely to be treacherous
when wet or icy.
Directions: Take I-435 toward Legends shopping center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Take K-5 or Leavenworth Road East (Exit #15). Continue about 2 miles and turn
left/north on 91st street. Once inside the park, stay left at the fork and follow
West Drive past the marina, past the Schlagle Library, past shelter 16. Turn
left for the archery range and park on the circle drive.