Kansas
The Hawkeye State
There are over 1,200 known hiking and trekking trails in Kansas
Most popular trails:
Pawnee National Grassland: This 193,000-acre grassland offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Trail length: 5.5 miles. Summary: This trail is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery of the Flint Hills.
Cimarron National Grassland: This 110,000-acre grassland is home to a number of hiking trails, including the 14-mile Cimarron River Trail. Trail length: 14 miles. Summary: This trail follows the Cimarron River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Saline County State Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Homestead Trail and the 2-mile Prairie Loop Trail. Trail length: 3.5 miles. Summary: These trails are easy to moderate and offer a great way to see the park's diverse landscape.
Lake Perry State Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 2.5-mile Cliffwalk Trail and the 1.5-mile Indian Creek Trail. Trail length: 4 miles. Summary: These trails offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Clinton State Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 2-mile Rock Creek Trail and the 1.5-mile Indian Cave Trail. Trail length: 3.5 miles. Summary: These trails offer a great way to see the park's diverse landscape, including its caves and waterfalls.
Little Sahara State Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Sand Dunes Trail and the 1.5-mile Sandhill Crane Trail. Trail length: 3 miles. Summary: These trails offer a unique opportunity to hike on sand dunes and see Sandhill Cranes.
Best trails for certain activities:
Hiking: The best trails for hiking in Kansas include the Pawnee National Grassland, the Cimarron National Grassland, and the Saline County State Park.
Mountain biking: The best trails for mountain biking in Kansas include the Flint Hills Trail System and the Clinton State Park Trail System.
Horseback riding: The best trails for horseback riding in Kansas include the Cimarron National Grassland and the Saline County State Park.
Bird watching: The best trails for bird watching in Kansas include the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
Stargazing: The best trails for stargazing in Kansas include the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway and the Little Sahara State Park.
Most challenging trails:
The Devil's Backbone Trail: This 4.5-mile trail in the Flint Hills is known for its steep climbs and its exposed ridgelines.
The Monument Rocks Trail: This 1.5-mile trail in the Flint Hills features towering rock formations that are over 200 million years old.
The Bootjack Trail: This 4-mile trail in the Saline County State Park is known for its steep climbs and its scenic views of the Saline River Valley.
The Cimarron National Grassland: This 193,000-acre grassland offers a variety of challenging trails, including the 14-mile Cimarron River Trail.
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway: This 144-mile byway winds through the Flint Hills, offering stunning views of the landscape and a variety of hiking and biking trails.
Most scenic trails:
The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway: This 144-mile byway winds through the Flint Hills, offering stunning views of the landscape and a variety of hiking and biking trails.
The Monument Rocks Trail: This 1.5-mile trail in the Flint Hills features towering rock formations that are over 200 million years old.
The Konza Prairie Biological Station: This 8,000-acre biological station offers a variety of hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Prairie Loop Trail.
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: This 19,000-acre preserve offers a variety of hiking trails.
Most family-friendly trails:
Maquoketa Caves State Park: This park offers a variety of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The trails wind through the park's caves and forests, and there are plenty of places to stop and explore. Trail length: 1.5 miles.
Lake Macbride State Park: This park offers a variety of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The trails wind through the park's rolling hills and forests, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery. Trail length: 2 miles.
Wapsipinicon State Park: This park offers a variety of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The trails wind through the park's prairies and forests, and there are plenty of places to stop and play. Trail length: 1 mile.
Ledges State Park: This park offers a variety of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The trails wind through the park's sandstone cliffs and forests, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. Trail length: 1.5 miles.
Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area: This area offers a variety of easy hiking trails that are perfect for families. The trails wind through the area's prairies and forests, and there are plenty of places to stop and see wildlife. Trail length: 1 mile.
Pinicon Ridge Trail: This trail is a 3.2 mile loop that is perfect for families. It is located in the Pinicon Ridge Recreation Area and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Most accessible trails in the state:
Grinnell Regional Trail: This paved trail is 11 miles long and runs through the city of Grinnell. It is a great option for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Iowa River Trail: This paved trail is 26 miles long and runs from Coralville to North Liberty. It is a great option for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Des Moines River Greenbelt: This paved trail is 15 miles long and runs through the city of Des Moines. It is a great option for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Wapsipinicon Valley Trail: This paved trail is 20 miles long and runs through the cities of Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. It is a great option for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Prairie Trail: This paved trail is 12 miles long and runs through the cities of Ames and Story City. It is a great option for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Lake Red Rock State Park Trails: This park offers a variety of paved and unpaved trails that are perfect for people with disabilities or mobility issues. Trail lengths vary.
Where to get permits for trails
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT): The KDWPT is the agency responsible for managing outdoor recreational activities in Kansas. While most hiking trails in Kansas do not require permits, you can visit the KDWPT website to get information about any special permits that might be needed for specific activities, such as hunting, fishing, and camping in state parks.
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Phone Number: 1-800-918-2877
