Kansas might be full of long drives and open skies, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a plethora of hiking trails to choose from as well. We’d like to think that Kansas is worthy of much more love, and that a few of our trails are some of the best on Earth. In no particular order, let’s look at the 10 that made today’s cut!
- Alcove Springs (Alcove Springs Park) - Blue Rapids
Aaron Hall/Flickr This half-mile trail leads to a scenic little waterfall that varies in power from a trickle to a pour. Of course, the trail itself is full of trees and a great view for a sunny day’s walk.
- Crystal Trail (Milford State Park) - Milford
Acorns Resort at Milford Lake/Flickr This popular state park is home to this 2.1-mile loop where you can view the lake as well as the amazing treeline surrounding it. However, it’s a little hard if you have trouble following more “natural” paths.
- Mount Sunflower Trail (Kansas’ Highest Point) - Weskan
C.K. Hartman/Flickr If you’re looking for a short hike with lots of sky, this is the perfect place. It’s a half-mile trail that features the “mount” itself, which is just the state’s highest point.
- Cedar Crest Trail (MacLennan Park Trail) - Topeka
Cindy Stavropoulos/AllTrails This 4.8-mile trail featuring a lake isn’t as easy as others, but sometimes it’s worth the work to get your end results. Many actually prefer to bike the trail, or use it as a great place to give their dogs a long walk.
- Rock Town Trail (Wilson State Park) - Sylvan Grove
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails This trail at the scenic Wilson State Park is a favorite for many visitors, and great for just about anyone. The rocks here are just so unlike what others expect, but so much like the beauty we know and call home!
- Table Mound Trail (Elk City State Park) - Elk City
Granger Meador/Flickr This 5.6-mile “out-and-back” trail isn’t too hard, but may offer some challenges to those less experienced. You can hike as well as camp here, and anyone who walks the trail gets to view the amazing rock faces under the foliage.
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail - Strong City
non-euclidean photography/Flickr This looped trail weighs in at about 3 miles, and features wildflowers, prairie grasses, and the wide skies that are Kansas’ beloved treasure.
- Stoptler Cove Nature Trail (Wyandotte County Park) - Kansas City
Tatiana Smith/AllTrails This 1.2-mile trail is easy for most people. hikers or not. It features a lake, and some of the best scenery you’ll find in the state when the leaves change color each year.
- Nature Trail Loop (Konza Prairie) - Manhattan
Vincent Parsons/Flickr Can you imagine grasses flowing like water over hills you can see for miles? This 2.7-mile trail featuring a river is exactly that. Plus, there’s a small bit that takes you by the historic Hokanson Homestead built in 1878.
- Horse Thief Trail (Kanopolis State Park) - Marquette
Vincent Parsons/Flickr This popular 2.1-mile trail at Kanopolis State Park is full of gorgeous red rock faces and a cave with a smooth opening. It’s been carved and worn down by years of visitors, so watch your step!
Have you seen any others that fit this description? Also, if you’re looking for another magical spot, (with maybe less legwork,) you should definitely head over to this spot where you can see four states at once.
Aaron Hall/Flickr
This half-mile trail leads to a scenic little waterfall that varies in power from a trickle to a pour. Of course, the trail itself is full of trees and a great view for a sunny day’s walk.
Acorns Resort at Milford Lake/Flickr
This popular state park is home to this 2.1-mile loop where you can view the lake as well as the amazing treeline surrounding it. However, it’s a little hard if you have trouble following more “natural” paths.
C.K. Hartman/Flickr
If you’re looking for a short hike with lots of sky, this is the perfect place. It’s a half-mile trail that features the “mount” itself, which is just the state’s highest point.
Cindy Stavropoulos/AllTrails
This 4.8-mile trail featuring a lake isn’t as easy as others, but sometimes it’s worth the work to get your end results. Many actually prefer to bike the trail, or use it as a great place to give their dogs a long walk.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
This trail at the scenic Wilson State Park is a favorite for many visitors, and great for just about anyone. The rocks here are just so unlike what others expect, but so much like the beauty we know and call home!
Granger Meador/Flickr
This 5.6-mile “out-and-back” trail isn’t too hard, but may offer some challenges to those less experienced. You can hike as well as camp here, and anyone who walks the trail gets to view the amazing rock faces under the foliage.
non-euclidean photography/Flickr
This looped trail weighs in at about 3 miles, and features wildflowers, prairie grasses, and the wide skies that are Kansas’ beloved treasure.
Tatiana Smith/AllTrails
This 1.2-mile trail is easy for most people. hikers or not. It features a lake, and some of the best scenery you’ll find in the state when the leaves change color each year.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Can you imagine grasses flowing like water over hills you can see for miles? This 2.7-mile trail featuring a river is exactly that. Plus, there’s a small bit that takes you by the historic Hokanson Homestead built in 1878.
This popular 2.1-mile trail at Kanopolis State Park is full of gorgeous red rock faces and a cave with a smooth opening. It’s been carved and worn down by years of visitors, so watch your step!
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