These are the 5 best trails to hike and explore in Kansas, according to AllTrails
Whether you want to hike, climb, mountain bike or wander, there is a trail in Kansas for you to explore.
The hard part might just be figuring out where to go first.
If you like to travel based on recommendations, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best trails in Kansas, as ranked on popular hiking and outdoor recreation app AllTrails.
Here’s a look into each of the trails and what makes them stand out.
What are the best trails in Kansas?
1. Shawnee Mission Park trails
AllTrails ranked the South Shore East Loop at Shawnee Mission Park as No. 1, the Shawnee Mission Park orange loop in second and the violet and red loops as No. 3. For the purpose of this list, we combined them into one ranking.
“This well-maintained trail presents hikers with a nice variety of scenery: a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees, a vast, blue lake and a meadow filled with tall prairie grass,” one hiker wrote of the South Shore East Loop. “The path was clearly defined, but very rocky and populated by roots. I liked how the length of the hike is extended by the inland trail which runs parallel to the trail that overlooks Shawnee Mission Lake.”
The colored trail loops are available for hikers and mountain bikers and vary in length and difficulty.
“Pretty busy with bikes but it was the weekend,” one hiker said about the orange loop. “Only spotted one patch of poison ivy. Otherwise the trail was clear, good views, only a bit muddy from previous rainy days! We enjoyed it!”
2. Lake Lenexa trail
Next up is the 2-mile trail around Lake Lenexa.
“The trail loops through shaded forest and open areas along the Lake Lenexa shoreline, offering lovely water views,” AllTrails said. “Along the way, there are benches where you can stop and rest.”
Hikers who reviewed the trail highlighted the well-maintained trails and opportunities to see wildlife.
3. Wyandotte County Lake trail
The nearly 11-mile long Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail is the next best trail on AllTrails.
“This loop presents a healthy challenge for the weekend warrior,” the description states. “Along the trail, you will encounter several different types of terrain but will be rewarded with lovely forest and lake views throughout.”
Reviewers said the trail is a good workout, challenging and great for elevation training before heading to the mountains.
4. Konza Prairie Nature Trail
The Konza Prairie Nature Trail — one of three trails available for hiking at the Konza Prairie Biological Station near Manhattan — is next up.
“Part of the trail system, our 2½-mile Nature Trail winds through lowland gallery forests, crosses Kings Creek, and climbs over ancient limestone ledges until it reaches upland tallgrass prairie, and at the highest point gives a spectacular view of the Flint Hills and the Kansas River Valley,” Konza Prairie staff said.
Hikers note the park offers great views of sunsets over the prairie.
5. Chisholm Creek Park trails
The trails at Chisholm Creek Park in Wichita round out the top 5.
“In its 282 acres are 2 1/2 miles of paved trails that cross native and restored prairies, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands,” park staff said, adding that the park is home to turkey, deer, turtles, wildflowers and more.
Hikers on AllTrails recommend the park trails for walking, running and exploring nature.