Great Places for Hiking in Kansas

Kansas is a must-visit destination if you’re a fan of hiking. It offers plenty of beautiful hiking trails, ideal for experienced and novice hikers. The state also has hundreds of miles of quiet wilderness trails perfect for connecting with nature. There are so many paths you can explore, so next time you’re looking to take an adventure in nature, consider one of these fantastic trails.

Flint Hills Nature Trail

The Flint Hills Nature Trail is one of the longest trails in the state and is regarded as one of the longest rail-trails in the country. It spans East-Central Kansas and passes through several counties, including Osawatomie and Council Grove. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is part of the American Discovery Trail and is named after the tallgrass prairie ecosystem known as the Flint Hills.

The nature trail features various sections that are unimproved bridges. It passes through rolling farmlands and features several historical sites along the way. Before you start the trail, make sure to check out a map to ensure that you have the necessary access points.

Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail

The Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail is an excellent stop when to traveling to Kansas City, and it’s a 20-minute drive away. The route goes through thick woods and various areas, so keep an eye on the path’s overgrowth during the summer.

Chisholm Creek Park Nature Trail

There are so many things to see at Chisholm Creek Park that it’s easy to spend a bit of time exploring. The park features four different trail systems that are designed to provide a variety of activities for both experienced and novice hikers. The main trails are the Bluestem Trail, the Quail Trail, the Heron Trail, and the Cottonwood Trail. The paved paths are wheelchair-friendly and go through various areas, such as wetlands, woodlands, and native prairies.

Castle Rock

One of the Eight Wonders of Kansas is Castle Rock. The hike through the Hackberry Creek Valley and the bluff of Castle Rock is a fun way to see the area. The tall towers of Castle Rock were once a popular tourist destination, and they can be seen from the entire length of the trail. There are also multiple paths that you can follow as you explore the area.

It’s also a great way to explore the natural Stonehenge of the Black Hills, which features several black and tan banded spires and a variety of routes through the rocks. The area was underwater for over 80 million years, so check out the ground for shark teeth and other small fish fossils.

This article was originally published on Matt Walker of Kansas' website.