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The Best Hiking in 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

  • Manhattan, Kansas

    Konza Prairie Nature Trail

    4.8
    2.8 mi / 236 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Manhattan, Kansas

    Watch the Sunrise at Tuttle Creek Lake

    4.0
    1 mi
    This 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Strong City, Kansas

    Hike through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

    5.0
    9 mi
    Park 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...
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  • Lawrence, Kansas

    Hike the KU Field Station Trails

    4.0
    4.4 mi / 423 ft gain
    Overview 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...
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  • Berryton, Kansas

    Hike the George Lathan Hiking Trail

    3.0
    4 mi / 291 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Bucyrus, Kansas

    Explore Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

    3.0
    Take 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...
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  • Manhattan, Kansas

    Konza Prarie-Kings Creek Loop

    4.72 mi / 335 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Shawnee, Kansas

    Hike the Violet and Red Loops at Shawnee Mission Park

    7 mi / 50 ft gain
    Lace 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...
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  • Independence, Kansas

    Hike the Elk River Hiking Trail

    4.0
    14.1 mi / 866 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Olsburg, Kansas

    Hike the Carnahan Creek Park Loop

    8 mi / 250 ft gain
    Carnahan 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...
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  • Wichita, Kansas

    Hike Chisholm Creek Bike Trail

    11.2 mi / 183 ft gain
    Chisholm Creek Bike Trail is a 11.2 mile out and back hike that takes you past scenic views located near Wichita, Kansas.
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  • Olathe, Kansas

    Hike Mahaffie Creek Trail

    4.2 mi / 206 ft gain
    Mahaffie Creek Trail is a 4.2 mile out and back hike that is good for all skill levels located near Olathe, Kansas.
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  • Newton, Kansas

    Hike Sand Creek Trail

    5.9 mi / 91 ft gain
    Sand Creek Trail is a 5.9 mile out and back hike that is good for all skill levels located near Newton, Kansas.
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  • Wichita, Kansas

    Hike Arkansas River Trail

    10.8 mi / 180 ft gain
    Arkansas River Trail is a 10.8 mile point-to-point hike that takes you by a river located near Wichita, Kansas.
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  • Manhattan, Kansas

    Konza Godwin Hill Loop

    6.25 mi / 384 ft gain
    Kansas 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 ...
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