Are you a novice hiker who wants to get out and hike Kansas this summer, but unfortunately, you have no idea where to begin? Don’t let the thought of it scare you away. Kansas has many incredible hiking trails near me to choose from, including the 10 listed below. They’re some of the best hikes in Kansas and each trail has a distance of five miles or less. This also makes them some of the state’s shortest hikes.

  1. Cottonwood Trail at Sand Hills State Park - Hutchinson

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Sand Hills State Park Facebook There is no better place to start hiking than the short and undaunting Cottonwood Trail, which can be completed in a mere 0.5 miles. Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA

  1. Cedar Ridge ADA Trail at Tuttle Creek - Manhattan

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Tuttle Creek State Park Facebook Another short, yet scenic, trail is the 0.6-mile Cedar Ridge ADA Trail, which is surrounded by pristine campsites and native greenery. Manhattan, KS, USA

  1. Teter Nature Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook Shhh! Listen very carefully and you just might hear the peaceful sounds of birds chirping during your 0.75-mile walk through nature. Once you finish the Teter Nature Trail, you will definitely want to try the neighboring … Teter Nature Trail, 2998-2246 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

  1. Walnut Ridge Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook … Walnut Ridge Trail, which also runs less than one mile. It’s another 0.75 miles to be exact. 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

  1. Neosho Riverwalk - Council Grove

Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism The next time you visit Council Grove, don’t forget to visit the 1-mile-long Neosho Riverwalk, which passes several beautiful sites including the Madonna of the Trail and Kaw Mission State Historic Site. Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater, 14 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA

  1. Double Black Diamond Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook Now it’s time to take a trip down the 2-mile Double Black Diamond Trail by bike or foot. It may sound quite intimidating, but we know you can do it. 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

  1. Crystal Trail at Milford State Park - Junction City

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Milford State Park Facebook Sure, Milford Lake is known statewide for its awesome fishing opportunities, but did you know it also has epic hiking opportunities via the 2.1-mile-long Crystal Trail? 3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514, USA

  1. Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop - Manhattan

TripAdvisor/Cox6755 When it comes to nature walks, it doesn’t get much more beautiful than the Konza Prairie, which is home to more than 8,616 acres of the colorful tallgrass prairie. Konza Prairie - Nature Trail, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA

  1. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail - Strong City

TripAdvisor/Bala424 Just can’t seem to get enough of the tallgrass prairie? No? Then try your skills on the 2.9-mile Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail and enjoy Kansas nature the way it was intended. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two along the way. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA

  1. Riverwalk Trail - Junction City

alltrails/Walter Rumble Listen up! Do you hear that sound? Nope? Me neither! It’s perfect, isn’t it? The tranquil Riverwalk Trail runs approximately 3.8 miles and is one of Kansas’ most peaceful hikes. River Walk Trail, Junction City, KS 66441, USA

Have you hiked any of the 10 trails listed above? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, what are some of your favorite Kansas hikes, specifically trails that are five miles or less? Please share those with us as well.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Sand Hills State Park Facebook

There is no better place to start hiking than the short and undaunting Cottonwood Trail, which can be completed in a mere 0.5 miles.

Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Tuttle Creek State Park Facebook

Another short, yet scenic, trail is the 0.6-mile Cedar Ridge ADA Trail, which is surrounded by pristine campsites and native greenery.

Manhattan, KS, USA

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - El Dorado State Park Facebook

Shhh! Listen very carefully and you just might hear the peaceful sounds of birds chirping during your 0.75-mile walk through nature. Once you finish the Teter Nature Trail, you will definitely want to try the neighboring …

Teter Nature Trail, 2998-2246 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

… Walnut Ridge Trail, which also runs less than one mile. It’s another 0.75 miles to be exact.

618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA

Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

The next time you visit Council Grove, don’t forget to visit the 1-mile-long Neosho Riverwalk, which passes several beautiful sites including the Madonna of the Trail and Kaw Mission State Historic Site.

Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater, 14 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA

Now it’s time to take a trip down the 2-mile Double Black Diamond Trail by bike or foot. It may sound quite intimidating, but we know you can do it.

Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism - Milford State Park Facebook

Sure, Milford Lake is known statewide for its awesome fishing opportunities, but did you know it also has epic hiking opportunities via the 2.1-mile-long Crystal Trail?

3612 State Park Rd, Milford, KS 66514, USA

TripAdvisor/Cox6755

When it comes to nature walks, it doesn’t get much more beautiful than the Konza Prairie, which is home to more than 8,616 acres of the colorful tallgrass prairie.

Konza Prairie - Nature Trail, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA

TripAdvisor/Bala424

Just can’t seem to get enough of the tallgrass prairie? No? Then try your skills on the 2.9-mile Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail and enjoy Kansas nature the way it was intended. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two along the way.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA

alltrails/Walter Rumble

Listen up! Do you hear that sound? Nope? Me neither! It’s perfect, isn’t it? The tranquil Riverwalk Trail runs approximately 3.8 miles and is one of Kansas’ most peaceful hikes.

River Walk Trail, Junction City, KS 66441, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Kansas May 18, 2022 Jennifer Young What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Kansas? Kansas is filled with many hiking trails, some of which are very suitable for kids. Listed below are three of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Kansas to add to your bucket list.

  1. Horse Thief Trail Located in Kanopolis Lake State Park is the Horse Thief Trail, a 1.9-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. In addition to hiking, Kansas’ Horse Thief Trail is also a popular trail for birdwatching and camping. It’s accessible all year long and allows leashed dogs.
  2. Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop Kansas’ Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop is part of the Konza Prairie Natural Area near Manhattan. This 2.7-mile loop trail has a moderate level of difficulty and is also a great trail to hike from April through June. It’s important to note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
  3. Rock Town Trail Wilson State Park in Lucas is home to Kansas’ Rock Town Trail, a 2.5-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. Besides hiking, many people also use this trail for birdwatching and camping. The Rock Town Trail is great for hiking no matter the time of year, and leashed dogs are welcome. What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Kansas? Kansas is well known for its beautiful natural scenery, and lots of it can be experienced while hiking the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Admire. Measuring 117 miles, it’s the longest trail in Kansas. It’ll take you through the lovely Flint Hills where you’ll experience several gorgeous views. This scenic trail will also lead you through a variety of towns including Ottawa, Miller, and Council Grove. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the perfect hiking destination for anyone wanting to experience a spectacular Kansas sunset.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Kansas

May 18, 2022

Jennifer Young

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Kansas? Kansas is filled with many hiking trails, some of which are very suitable for kids. Listed below are three of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Kansas to add to your bucket list.

  1. Horse Thief Trail Located in Kanopolis Lake State Park is the Horse Thief Trail, a 1.9-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. In addition to hiking, Kansas’ Horse Thief Trail is also a popular trail for birdwatching and camping. It’s accessible all year long and allows leashed dogs.
  2. Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop Kansas’ Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop is part of the Konza Prairie Natural Area near Manhattan. This 2.7-mile loop trail has a moderate level of difficulty and is also a great trail to hike from April through June. It’s important to note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
  3. Rock Town Trail Wilson State Park in Lucas is home to Kansas’ Rock Town Trail, a 2.5-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. Besides hiking, many people also use this trail for birdwatching and camping. The Rock Town Trail is great for hiking no matter the time of year, and leashed dogs are welcome. What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Kansas? Kansas is well known for its beautiful natural scenery, and lots of it can be experienced while hiking the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Admire. Measuring 117 miles, it’s the longest trail in Kansas. It’ll take you through the lovely Flint Hills where you’ll experience several gorgeous views. This scenic trail will also lead you through a variety of towns including Ottawa, Miller, and Council Grove. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the perfect hiking destination for anyone wanting to experience a spectacular Kansas sunset.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Kansas is filled with many hiking trails, some of which are very suitable for kids. Listed below are three of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Kansas to add to your bucket list.

  1. Horse Thief Trail

Located in Kanopolis Lake State Park is the Horse Thief Trail, a 1.9-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. In addition to hiking, Kansas’ Horse Thief Trail is also a popular trail for birdwatching and camping. It’s accessible all year long and allows leashed dogs.

  1. Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop

Kansas’ Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop is part of the Konza Prairie Natural Area near Manhattan. This 2.7-mile loop trail has a moderate level of difficulty and is also a great trail to hike from April through June. It’s important to note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.

  1. Rock Town Trail

Wilson State Park in Lucas is home to Kansas’ Rock Town Trail, a 2.5-mile loop trail with an easy level of difficulty. Besides hiking, many people also use this trail for birdwatching and camping. The Rock Town Trail is great for hiking no matter the time of year, and leashed dogs are welcome.

What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Kansas?

Kansas is well known for its beautiful natural scenery, and lots of it can be experienced while hiking the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Admire. Measuring 117 miles, it’s the longest trail in Kansas. It’ll take you through the lovely Flint Hills where you’ll experience several gorgeous views. This scenic trail will also lead you through a variety of towns including Ottawa, Miller, and Council Grove. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is the perfect hiking destination for anyone wanting to experience a spectacular Kansas sunset.