See fall’s colorful glory in Kansas from foot
Kansas is blessed with more than 1,000 miles of trails, and no time is the trekking better than in the fall. The temperatures are usually pleasant, and fewer people are using the trails. It’s probably the most colorful time of the year, too.
The neon yellows of late October cottonwoods, hickories and walnuts could hold their own beside any New England maple, not to mention the vibrant reds and oranges of oaks. Like our woodlands, the Kansas prairie comes alive with color as our native grasses turn to pastels, while leaves of sumac and other shrubs turn electric red.
We’ve selected five of the best trails the state has to offer for autumn treks.
Buffalo Track Canyon Nature Trail
Active Times, an online publication devoted to adventure and the outdoors, this year named Kanopolis State Park the 14th most scenic state park in the nation. Repeat: In. The. Nation.
The state park is near Ellsworth, about 115 miles northwest of Wichita.
This trail has all that makes Kanopolis’ Horsethief Canyon area so special, and in just a 1 1/2-mile roundtrip. The easily walked trail takes you through pristine prairie, beneath and atop towering cliffs and past sheer sandstone faces where hundreds of early pioneers carved their names in sandstone.
The trail takes you to two caves, past flowing springs shrouded in rare ferns and to the hoof-carved stairs where thousands of buffalo crossed the valley centuries before civilization.
If you want to see more of the area beyond the nature trail, you can book a trail ride on the gentle horses of Goverland Stage Stop by calling 785-826-0743.
Table Mound Trail
The trail that begins in Elk City State Park has more of an Ozark feel than much of southern Missouri. It’s studded with several kinds of oaks, red cedar, walnut and a variety of woods and brush. The 2 3/4-mile trail is a well-kept roller-coaster path that often passes beneath, between and over massive boulders bigger than a lot of houses. The park is near Independence, about 130 miles southeast of Wichita.
If you are short on energy, park where the trail crosses the paved county road between the state park and the lake’s dam. Head up the hill, and you’ll be amid the monstrous rocks within a few minutes. Budget a lot of time for exploring the scores of nooks and crannies on the ridge.
For those who want a longer trek, check out the 15-mile Elk River Trail that parallels the lake.
Switchgrass Trail
The entire trail is within Wilson State Park, which ranked 34th for scenic beauty, according to Active Times. Most of the trail traces the shoreline or overlooks Wilson Reservoir. Those who say it’s not the prettiest reservoir in the state have probably never seen it.
The trail rolls through pristine prairie and at times is atop rimrock that drops straight to the lake’s crystal-clear water, possibly 50 or more feet below.
The park is near Sylvan Grove, about 140 miles southwest of Wichita on I-70.
The 24 1/2-mile trail has been rated among the top 66 “Epic” biking trails in the world by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, but it’s a first-rate hiking trail, too.
Chautauqua Hills Trail
Technically there are several loops of varying lengths on this trail in Cross Timbers State Park. Combined, the four loops offer 11 miles of hiking through one of the most unique geographical areas in Kansas.
The trail is reminiscent of Elk City’s Table Mound Trail but with smaller boulders and more dense timber coated with some gnarled, ancient oaks that are more than 200 years old.
A perfect cross-section of the famed Chautauqua Hills, the trails also take you across nice stands of native prairie atop the timbered slopes.
Cross Timbers State Park has other trails as short as a half-mile.
The park, on Toronto Reservoir, is about 85 miles east of Wichita. Some years the trails cut through some of the most colorful fall foliage in Kansas.
Kansas River
Since the purpose of hitting a trail is to spend time outdoors and get exercise, there’s no reason you can’t do it from a canoe or kayak, right?
The Kansas River has been designated one of fewer than 20 National Water Trails, meaning it has the right combination of good water and access for great floating. A working combination of federal, state and local communities has created access points about every 10 miles along the 170 floatable miles of the Kansas River.
Those without boats can rent them from Tuttle Creek State Park (785-539-7941) near Manhattan or Double Ts Snack Shack and Canoe Rentals at St. George (785-494-8081). The latter also has a shuttle service to pick up or drop off floaters in that area.
Camping is allowed on the many sand and gravel bars along the river. Those who want a few amenities can stay at the River Pond Campground at Tuttle Creek State Park. The River Pond area, about 140 miles northeast of Wichita, also offers floats on a quiet 100-acre lake.
This story was originally published September 15, 2014 at 11:24 AM with the headline "See fall’s colorful glory in Kansas from foot."