Kansas
Looking for the best hiking in Kansas? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Kansas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Kansas
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Manhattan, Kansas
Konza Prairie Nature Trail
4.82.8 mi / 236 ft gainThe Konza Prairie Nature Trail is a special beloved attraction in the area. It is set on 3,487 hectare of native tallgrass prairie. The trail offers a choice of 3 loops: The Nature Trail Loop at 2.8 miles, The Kings Creek Loop at 4.6 miles, and the Godwin Hill Loop at 6.1 miles. All trails start ...Read more -
Manhattan, Kansas
Watch the Sunrise at Tuttle Creek Lake
4.01 miThis cove at Tuttle Creek Lake is not in an official park, but it is open to the public. It is a place I have come to again and again. Be here an hour before sunrise on a partly cloudy morning and watch as nature puts forth its finest firework show. Don't be late and don't leave too early. Golden...Read more -
Strong City, Kansas
Hike through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
5.09 miPark your car at the Visitor Center and head inside to grab a copy of the trail map. If the Visitor Center is closed, you can take a picture of the map on the display outside of the building. There are several trails you can take in the preserve, and all of them are worth the time. I recommend st...Read more -
Baldwin City, Kansas
Relax and Rejuvenate at the Light Center
The Light Center is what I like to consider a wheat oasis. It's located about 30 minutes south of Lawrence, Kansas and offers an amazing escape from the every day grind. It's surrounded by fields of golden wheat as well as trees and rivers. It's a space that you never thought about going to, unti...Read more -
Lawrence, Kansas
Hike the KU Field Station Trails
3.64.4 mi / 423 ft gainOverview Parking at the Roth Trailhead gives the hiker several options for how to proceed. Up the paved walkway from the parking area, one can go into the woods to follow the Roth Trail, or they can venture out into the grasslands on the Lowland trail. The Roth trail leads up through wooded areas...Read more -
Berryton, Kansas
Hike the George Lathan Hiking Trail
3.04 mi / 291 ft gainThis four mile trail is located in the Woodridge Public Use Area, southwest of Lawrence and along the western edge of Clinton Lake. Campsites are available without charge and without reservation, open to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the trail head, you'll park ...Read more -
Bucyrus, Kansas
Explore Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
3.0Take a leisurely stroll around Margaret's Pond while exploring the herb garden, amphitheater and promenade. There are beautiful flowers and trees to encounter here. Or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, hop on the asphalt Sculpture Garden Trail (0.4 mile) which links to the Cottonwood Tr...Read more -
Manhattan, Kansas
Konza Prarie-Kings Creek Loop
4.72 mi / 335 ft gainStarting at the trailhead, this very well-maintained trail is an easy, 4.6 mile loop. This is the second of 3 loops from the trailhead. The longest one is just over 6 miles and connects the Konza Prairie Loop with the Kings Creek Loop and the Goodwin Hill Loop. Don't want the full 6 miler, but ar...Read more -
Shawnee, Kansas
Hike the Violet and Red Loops at Shawnee Mission Park
5.07 mi / 50 ft gainLace up your boots and head to the 1,600 acre Shawnee Mission Park, located about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City. One of the best parks in the Kansas City metro boats miles of hiking/mountain biking trails, a 120 acre lake, a marina that rents outs kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and...Read more -
Independence, Kansas
Hike the Elk River Hiking Trail
4.014.1 mi / 866 ft gainJust west of the Elk City Lake Dam is a small parking area. The scarcity of foot traffic is highlighted by the size of the parking lot. You'll begin your hike by crossing over a minimal footbridge that spans a small stream. Once over the stream, you begin a slightly moderate climb up the trail to...Read more -
Olsburg, Kansas
Hike the Carnahan Creek Park Loop
8 mi / 250 ft gainCarnahan Creek Park is located 20 miles north of Manhattan, Kansas near the historic Carnahan Church on the north shore of Tuttle Creek Reservoir. This secluded park offers visitors free camping in many roadside campsites, as well as remote campsites only accessible through scenic forest and prai...Read more -
Manhattan, Kansas
Konza Godwin Hill Loop
6.25 mi / 384 ft gainKansas is somewhat known for its relatively flat land with nearly identical scenery across the entire state. One place where that differs is the Konza Prairie, a part of the larger Flint Hills. Totaling 6.1 miles this trail offers a variety of scenery from start to finish. Parking right before ...Read more -
Topeka, Kansas
Hike at Skyline Park
3.6 mi / 249 ft gainThe Skyline Park is a Park in Shawnee County Kansas. At Skyline Park there are five different trails that make up the Azuras Trails. The trails are as follows: North Summit Trail: 1.5 milesSunrise Loop: 1.3 milesSunset Loop: .9 mileSouth Summit: .6 mileNorthwest Trailhead: .4 miles Click here fo...Read more -
Hutchinson, Kansas
Hike Sand Hills Pond Trail
4.03.5 mi / 68 ft gainSand Hills Pond Trail in Sand Hills State Park is a 3.5 mile out-and-back hike where during the right season, you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Buhler, Kansas. With minimal elevation gain, this trail is an easy trek for all skill levels and can work for the whole family. This trail ...Read more -
Weskan, Kansas
Hike Mount Sunflower Trail To Kansas Highpoint
4.00.5 mi / 13 ft gainMount Sunflower Trail to Kansas Highpoint is a 0.5 mile out and back hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Weskan, Kansas.Read more -
Topeka, Kansas
Clarion Woods Loop
0.73 mi / 92 ft gainThis is one of my favorite places inside Topeka city limits! It is typically not very crowded unless you visit during lunch hours, there tends to be local workers etc. who take their lunch break in the parking lot. There are 2 or 3 picnic tables and a bench as well to relax or have lunch on. Ther...Read more