18 Best Hikes in Kansas: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2023
Tori Jane
Author
If you ask just about anyone who’s never been to Kansas what it’s like, you’ll probably hear any number of variations of the same tired stereotypes: it’s boring. It’s flat. There are no mountains. There are no good places to hike in Kansas. There are no cool places to see in Kansas. There’s simply nothing to do – you know, the usual accusations. These feelings, however, could not be further from the truth; Kansas is an awe-inspiring state where you simply just need to know where to look. Look in all the right places and you just might fall in love!
Kansas is home to 28 stunning state parks, some of which are among the best in the Great Plains, as well as 10 National Parks sites. No matter what you like to do outdoors, you can most assuredly find it in Kansas. There’s something for everyone: hunters, campers, fishers, explorers, kayakers, and especially hikers. Quite possibly, the best thing about Kansas’s terrain is that, although it has miles of trails that can be quite challenging, typically, a dramatic elevation gain isn’t one of those challenges. And did you know that Kansas has its very own natural wonders known literally as “The Eight Wonders of Kansas”? Hiking in Kansas is an amazing experience that everyone should have at least once! Seriously, it’s the perfect state for a good hike. Check out some of the best hikes in Kansas and add them all to your must-do list.
Best Hikes in Kansas
Are you an experienced hiker looking for a challenge? Are you a newer hiker just searching for some awesome beginner trails? Hoping to hike with the family and need some trails accessible for small children or hikers who use wheelchairs? No worries! No matter what your level of know-how is, you’re sure to find the perfect hiking trail in Kansas. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of the best hiking trails in Kansas; there really is something for just about everyone. Check out some of the downright best hikes in Kansas and start planning your outdoor adventures ASAP!
- Location Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee
- Mileage: 6.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail is dog-friendly, but Fido needs to be on a leash. It’s best hiked from April through October and should take just about two and a half hours (unless you make multiple stops). There are three bike/hike trails here, and you can do one at a time or combine all three for the ultimate adventure. The Violet Loop is an advanced trail that is rocky at some points, so be sure to wear good, sturdy hiking boots. The Orange Loop is a more intermediate trail. REMEMBER: This area is subject to seasonal closures. For more information, please visit UrbanTrailCo.
Shawnee Mission Park is a 1,600 multi-use park in Shawnee, Kansas. It’s a wonderful place to take the kids, have a birthday party, and, of course, enjoy the great outdoors. It’s home to a gorgeous, sparkling lake and plenty of space to spread out, as well as some truly refreshing and wonderful hiking trails.
You can stick with the Orange, Violet, and Red Trail, or you can branch out to some of the other trails on the grounds that make Shawnee Mission Park one of the downright best places to hike in Kansas.
- Location Konza Prairie Natural Area, Manhattan
- Mileage: 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail is open for most of the year, but April through June is by far the best time to experience it. No dogs, please. Should you opt not to stop at all, this hike takes about one hour. The trail takes you through the timber-lined banks of Kings Creek before entering the rolling, emerald Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. A short spur along the way transports you to the Hokanson Homestead, which was built in 1878!
The astonishingly beautiful Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop is an amazing introduction to the majesty of Kansas’s stunning natural tallgrass prairies. The Konza Prairie Biological Station is an 8,600+ acre native tallgrass preserve located in the idyllic Flint Hills.
This is Kansas untouched – Kansas as it was long before humans arrived. The Prairie Nature Trail Loop is a wonderful firsthand look at the wilderness of the Sunflower State as it should be. This trail, from the trailhead to the end, is lined with pea gravel and/or bare dirt or limestone.
- Location Konza Prairie Natural Area, Manhattan
- Mileage: 4.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail is open year-round. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted here. It takes about one hour and 45 minutes to complete (should you decide not to stop at all). Once upon a time, much of this land made up Dewey Ranch.
The awe-inspiring Konza Prairie Kings Creek Loop is also located within the Konza Prairie Natural Area, but it’s so wonderful that it’s worth mentioning as well.
This adventure meanders around the forested banks of Kings Creek before it leads you right into the jaw-dropping wonderfulness of the Konza Prairie. When it comes to the best places to hike in Kansas in terms of epic views, this is the hike you want to do. Promise. You might even catch a glimpse of some buffalo.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in Kansas
Not looking for anything overly challenging? Do you prefer your hikes to be more peaceful than exhausting? Same. In this case, why not check out some of the shorter, easiest hikes in Kansas and see what’s out there? After all, Kansas is an amazing place, and hiking in Kansas is a special honor. Enjoy these short-and-sweet easy hikes in Kansas and remember to bring a camera along for every hike on this list – they’re all captivating in their beauty, so it’s even better when the going’s easy, too.
- Location Black Hoof Park, Lenexa
- Mileage: 2.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trek takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s best hiked from March through November. And great news: your dog is welcome on a leash! This trail is half gravel/half paved. Do note that there is a shooting range nearby this trail, so if you are hoping for complete silence, it may not happen. This trail is gorgeous, though, and definitely worth it!
The stunning Lake Lenexa trail is just over two miles long and quite easy. Half of this trail is paved, and the rest is a simple gravel path. You’ll wander around Lake Lenexa and enjoy some truly decadent views.
This is some of the best hiking in Kansas and you deserve to enjoy it! As a bonus, the lake is a wonderful place to do some wildlife watching, so plan on this hike taking longer than just 45 minutes.
- Location Wyandotte County Lake Park, Kansas City
- Mileage: 2.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Good news: dogs are allowed on this Kansas hiking trail (on a leash, of course). This trail takes just under an hour to complete. It’s open year-round, so you can get out and about at any time.
If you’re anywhere near Kansas City and you feel like you can’t possibly find a wonderful hiking trail in your area, you’re (wonderfully) mistaken – there are numerous awesome trails in and around KC that you’re sure to enjoy. In fact, some of the best hiking trails in Kansas are in old Kansas City.
The West Dam Trail is a fabulous escapade around Wyandotte County Lake Park. This trail is excellent for beginners and/or families, as it’s very easy and the wildlife viewing opportunities are wonderful.
- Location Kanopolis Lake State Park, Marquette
- Mileage: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trail is open all year. Dogs are totally welcome on a leash, and horseback riding is also allowed. It takes about 41 minutes to complete (but exploring a little is highly recommended). Horse Thief Trail is a favorite hiking trail in Kansas for wildlife watching and birding!
Nestled within Kanopolis State Park is the Horse Thief Trail, which tends to often make “best of” lists in terms of the best hiking trails in Kansas.
Of all the best hikes in Kansas, Horse Thief Trail is truly something special, with astonishing views and a difficulty level of easy. It can be short and sweet or long and delightful – it just depends on how often you want to stop and appreciate the view. Along the way, you’ll experience diverse landscapes including prairies, hills, woods, and even a few interesting rock formations.
Hardest Hikes in Kansas
Prefer a side of challenge with your great outdoors? No worries – although the hiking trails in Kansas aren’t exactly mountainous (nor do they climb in elevation much), you can still find challenging hikes that are long, strenuous or both. Fans of camping and backpacking will appreciate these, as some of them are nearly 100 miles in length and, should you desire to do the entire thing, will require some downtime for rest. Some of the best “hard” hiking trails in Kansas are listed here, though, of course, “hard” is subjective.
- Location Rockhaven Public Use Area, Lawrence
- Mileage: 17 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- FYI: This trail takes just over six hours to complete. Do note that it can be very muddy after rains or during snowmelt. Wear protective clothing and bring bug spray; ticks are known to live in this area and can spread disease. The Orange Trail has become too washed-out and overgrown to traverse, so be sure to stick with Blue.
The South Shore Orange and Blue Trail loop is a gorgeous, 17-mile-long escape from reality in the form of exploring Kansas’s incredibly beautiful countryside. It’s popular among horseback riders, and with runners, too, so be sure to remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
While you’re here, you might also want to check out the North Shore Blue Trail Loop, which is just as beautiful and has some truly jaw-dropping lake views.
- Location Wilson State Park, Sylvan Grove
- Mileage: 19.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- FYI: This Kansas hiking trail takes about 6h 40min to finish if done from beginning to end. It’s a lesser-known trail, so come early or during the week and there’s a good chance you’ll have it to yourself! The best time to hike is from April through October. No dogs, please.
Tucked within the beautiful Wilson State Park, the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail is easily one of the best trails to hike in Kansas.
It’s a combination of two trails: the Golden Belt Trail and the Marina Loop. If you’re a mountain biker, this trail is wonderful for you, too – just be mindful of hikers on foot. There are some more technical areas that more experienced riders will be able to navigate, but these can be easily walked around, if necessary, as well.
- Location Osawatomie
- Mileage: 93.9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- FYI: If you’re bold enough to do the whole thing, this whopper takes about 28 hours to complete. Come during the week, preferably early, to have the trail almost to yourself. Wear good, sturdy shoes. Bring lots of water and remember to stay hydrated! The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches across east-central Kansas, from Osawatomie in the east to Herington in the west.
Coming in at a jaw-dropping 94 miles in length, the incredible Flint Hills Nature Trail is a tour-de-force of amazingness you’ll only find in the Sunflower State.
The Flint Hills are undeniably one of the most incredible wonders of this beautiful state, and this makes them one of the best places to hike in Kansas. It passes through five counties (Miami, Franklin, Osage, Lyon and Morris), countless ecosystems, and is the 7th-longest rail trail in the United States (as well as the longest hiking trail in Kansas state).
Best Waterfront Hikes in Kansas
What’s better than a quiet hiking trail in Kansas with a view? How about quiet hikes in Kansas that include water in some way or another? Sounds great, right? There are several different waterfront hikes in Kansas you can take any time you’d like (though in the winter the water may be frozen), and the definition of “waterfront” in this case varies. From lakes and rivers to creeks and brooks, you never know what you’ll find along these amazing trails. Come see some of the ultimate waterfront hiking in Kansas for yourself!
- Location Elk City State Park, Independence
- Mileage: 15.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This is a popular point-to-point trail that’s open year-round, so if you’re looking for solitude, skip this one for now. Dogs are welcome on a leash. This is also a popular area for backpacking and camping, so you might want to consider a longer adventure out here sometime. This trail crosses several small streams and ravines and winds through narrow canyons and under rock overhangs, so be ready to get a little wet and do a little ducking and dodging. You’ll find blue trail blazes and mile markers for easy navigation in both directions.
The famed Elk River Trail has some truly breathtaking, beautiful lake views that make the lengthiness of the trek totally worth it. It offers some epic panoramic views from the tops of the many limestone bluffs on the northwestern shores of Elk City Lake, which is pristine blue and sparkles in the sunlight, adding much whimsy to this beautiful trail.
You’ll find primitive campsites all over this trail, so feel free to stop and rest any time. Elk River Trail is more than just some of the best hiking in Kansas; it’s also a great way to get in touch with nature and live in it for a while. The Elk River is one Kansas river that is incomparable in its beauty.
- Location Wyandotte County Lake Park, Kansas City
- Mileage: 10.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- FYI: This Kansas hiking trail takes about four hours and 20 minutes to finish (should you choose not to stop, but why?). Dogs are always welcome on a leash. This trail is open year-round, and it’s multi-terrain and diverse. Bring good boots with tall socks and plenty of bug spray – beware of ticks. Be prepared to cross a few roads as well.
The Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail is a wonderful reminder of just how awesome and diverse the Sunflower State really is. Hidden within Wyandotte County Lake Park, this ten-mile loop trail adventure offers truly wondrous lake views and a nice, satisfying challenge for anyone willing to take it on.
- Location Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee
- Mileage: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail is best trekked from April through October. Dogs are welcome on a leash. This Kansas hike takes about one hour. REMEMBER: This area is subject to seasonal closures. For more information, please visit UrbanTrailCo.
Sure, the Shawnee Mission Park Orange Trail was technically mentioned earlier as one portion of a three-part loop trail at Shawnee Mission Park, but the Orange Trail is so delightful that it’s worth mentioning all on its own. This hike offers some stunning lake views, making it one of the best waterfront hikes in Kansas. It is popular among locals, so if you show up during the week and/or early in the morning, it’ll be a little quieter than usual.
It’s also worth mentioning that Lake Quivira is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kansas, and if you’re passionate about, say, boating, then this is a perfect option for you! Ssh, do you hear that? The wetlands are calling your name.
Best Winter Hikes in Kansas
If anyone ever tells you that you can’t go hiking in Kansas when it’s cold outside, simply quit speaking with them: you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. Some of the best places to hike in Kansas are even better when there’s a fresh layer of snow on the ground. So, to celebrate the whimsical perfection that is winter in Kansas, here are some of the best hiking trails in Kansas to do during the winter. Bundle up and bring water as usual – you’ll need to stay hydrated even in the cold!
- Location University of Kansas Field Station, Lawrence
- Mileage: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trail takes about 40 minutes should you decide not to make any stops. It's at its greenery best April through September, and in the winter, it takes on a particularly amazing, frosted beauty. Bring plenty of bug spray and watch for ticks should you hike it during the warmer months.
The Fitch Biology and Fitch Upper Loop might have a long name, but the trail itself is under two miles in length. The waterside views are wonderful, and you’ll find that the trail is easy the entire way through.
If you’re a fan of birdwatching and wildlife viewing, you’ll agree that this is one of the best places to go hiking in Kansas. If you find you can’t get enough of all the incredible winter hikes in Kansas, you’ll definitely want to check out some of the other picks for the best winter hikes in Kansas.
- Location Perry State Park, Ozawkie
- Mileage: 2.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This Kansas hiking trail takes just under an hour. The trail can be difficult to follow at times, as it is overgrown in spots – it's much easier to navigate if you go to the right instead of the left when starting the loop from the parking lot. Bring plenty of bug spray for ticks if you come during the warmer months. Dogs are welcome on a leash!
If you prefer quieter, low-key hikes without a whole lot of other hikers around, this one’s great! The two-mile-long wonder known as Thunder Ridge is a lovely place for hiking in Kansas nestled within Perry State Park that’s popular among wildlife watchers and bird watchers as well when the weather is warm.
There is no established Nature Center at Perry State Park, but you’ll still find it easy to navigate and very easy to learn from. During the winter months, this trail transforms into a snowy, icy white wonderland. You’ll have to be mindful and avoid slipping on ice that might exist, especially during early spring, but overall, Thunder Ridge is an excellent pick for a good old-fashioned wintertime hike.
- Location Pratt
- Mileage: 1.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: A quick, 20-minute jaunt. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Great for wildlife viewing. Be careful to watch for ice!
Finally, a short and sweet hike that takes just 20 minutes! Lovers of brief-but-rewarding hikes, this one’s for you: located in the adorable small town of Pratt, Kansas, Green Property is a strangely named little hike that, during the winter season, is something of a paradise.
You’ll get some truly breathtaking, scenic views of the river that are extraordinary when covered in snow, and best of all, this trail system is appropriate for all skill levels. This is one of the coolest winter hiking trails in Kansas you can conquer.
Best Hikes Near Topeka
Kansas’s capital city is none other than Topeka, which is more like a very large town than a city. Sure, you’ll have your hustle and bustle and your rush hours, too, but there’s something else about Topeka that’s extra special: you don’t have to go very far from any one place to find a wonderful hiking trail. Some of the best hikes in Kansas are in (or near) Topeka.
- Location Kaw River State Park, Topeka
- Mileage: 3.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This loop trail in Topeka Kansas takes about 1 h 20 min. Hiking is best from March through October. Dogs are welcome on a leash. It can be muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall or during snowmelt. Wear good shoes and be wary of ticks during the warmer seasons.
The Kaw River MTB Loop is a wonderful hiking trail located within the idyllic Kaw River State Park, which isn’t overly enormous but makes up for this small stature in large amounts of quality.
It is serene, interesting, and provides some truly lovely views of the Kaw River. It’s also an excellent example of just how diverse and beautiful hiking in Kansas is (and can be).
- Location Skyline Park, Topeka
- Mileage: 3.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Azura Trail takes about one hour and 17 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Bring bug spray and watch for ticks during the summer and fall.
The much beloved Azura Trail is found at Topeka’s Skyline Park and is a short-and-sweet trek rated as moderately challenging.
Though this trail isn’t a complete secret, it is one of the quieter trails on this list, so if you show up in the morning... well, you know the rest: you might just get it to yourself, at least for a little while. If you enjoy this stunning hiking trail in Kansas, you’ll probably also adore another one of the best hikes in Topeka Kansas.
- Location MacLennan Park, Topeka
- Mileage: 4.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail takes just under two hours to finish. It’s open year-round, and dogs are welcome on a leash. The trails at this park are also known by a few different names, so keep an eye on your signage. Bring your bug spray, be wary of ticks, and watch out for snakes!
The old Cedar Crest Yellow and Red Trail is a lovely adventure coming in at just under five miles in length. It’s a semi-popular trail among the locals, but if you show up early in the day you might just have it to yourself. This route is part of an area known as the Governor's Mansion Trails as well as the MacLennan Trails – it's steeped in history and overall, a total delight to complete.
As with every hiking trail in Kansas, wear appropriate shoes or you might find this hike is more stressful than relaxing. This is one of the best hikes in Topeka, (maybe even one of the best in the Midwest!) and while you’re in town, you might want to check out some of the other things there are do and see (including these final three trails that finish out this list)! Hiking in Wichita is nice, but hiking in Topeka is a special occasion. This strong city knows its stuff, particularly when it comes to a good hike.
Summary
So, there you have it: 18 jaw-droppingly beautiful trails that make up some of the downright best hikes in Kansas. The Sunflower State is a beautiful one, so why not explore it on foot using its amazing trail system? With nearly 600 amazing miles of hiking in Kansas to be done, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever get bored. So, pull on those hiking boots, fill up that water bottle, and get ready to go explore 18 of the best hikes in Kansas. Want to take all these trails and more with you? You should definitely try AllTrails+ for free!
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More to Explore
Best Hikes In Kansas
Does Kansas have good hiking trails?
Kansas has some truly awesome hiking trails that are totally worth adding to your outdoor to-do list. Some of the best places to hike in Kansas are trails like:
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – There are three beautiful hikes at Tallgrass Prairie, and all of them are worth a try.
- Horsethief Canyon Trail – This awesome Kansas hiking trail leads through some of the most amazing landscapes the Sunflower State has to offer.
- Cedar Ridge ADA Trail – This award-winning trail is located within Tuttle Creek State Park and is accessible to everyone, including small children and disabled folks. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes in Kansas.
Learn more about the best places to hike in Kansas!
What are the best months to hike in Kansas?
The best months to hike in Kansas are just about every month – there are even some wonderful hikes you can do during the winter! The most popular months to hike in Kansas are during the spring, summer, and autumn. Typically, hiking season begins in March and ends by mid-November. Of course, if you’d like to do a wintertime hike, you’re more than welcome to – learn more about some of the most beautiful winter hikes in Kansas.
What are some of the most popular hiking trails in Kansas?
The most popular hiking trails in Kansas offer up a good idea of what the best hikes in Kansas are. Some of the top-favorite hiking trails in Kansas include trails like:
- Kings Creek Loop Trail – This four-and-a-half-mile-long hike leads adventurers through some truly breathtaking scenery. It’s one of the best places to go hiking in Kansas.
- Prairie, Gas House, and Davis Trail Loop - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – With wildflowers, stunning open prairie, and endless blue skies, this awesome loop trail in Kansas is great for anyone who enjoys a mild challenge.
- Fancy Creek Mountain Bike Trail – Bikers (and hikers), this one’s for you! This trail leads you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Kansas. The views are awe-inspiring!
Learn more about some of the best low-key hikes in Kansas.