Top 10 Best Hikes in Kansas
Studies have shown hiking can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat. It also increases flexibility and coordination, enhances relationships with family and friends and enhances your overall mental well being. What more could you want from a hike? Boost your mental and physical health this summer by getting outside and trying one of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Kansas.
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1. Kansas Museum of History
Our first of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Kansas is The Kansas Museum of History. This is one of my favorite places in Kansas. The building is surrounded by trails that weave through prairie grass and wooded areas. If you are looking for a peaceful hike that doesn’t take you far from town, then this is the trail for you. I also highly recommend visiting the museum itself while you are there.
2. Willkomm Trails
The Willkomm Trails are a new discovery for my family. The path takes you by the Kansas River, where you can skip rocks and walk along the sand bar. It’s not a long or strenuous hike, which makes it perfect for adventures with small kids. My favorite part of this hike is the trees. They are absolutely breathtaking. If you’re looking for a fun family trail then this is the hike for you!
3. Konza Prairie
The Konza Prairie might be my new favorite on the list of Top 10 Best Hikes in Kansas. My husband and I recently hiked the nature trail at Konza Prairie for the first time, and although it was a little challenging, the wildflowers and rolling hills made it worth the challenge. If you are looking for a hike that perfectly reflects Kansas then I highly recommend the Konza Prairie. There are also three different paths to take based on how challenged you want to be. The Nature trail was only 2.5 miles, but there are two longer trails: Kings Creek Loop at 4.4 miles and Godwin Hill Loop at 6.0 miles.
4. Geary Lake Waterfall
The Geary Lake Waterfall Trail is a short hike, but a steep one. You don’t want to take this trail if you have trouble with sharp inclines or need to take a stroller. However, if you are able to handle the hill then the waterfall at the bottom is actually very breathtaking. There was a little crowd when we hiked this trail last, so I recommend going first thing in the morning and being patient. Everyone wants a photo by the falls.
5. Governor’s Mansion Trails
The Governor’s Mansion Trails has serene trails, a duck pond, and wide open grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic. If you want a country experience without driving outside the city then this is the perfect place for you. There is an easier trail that is perfect for strollers, but if you are looking for a more challenging hike there are trails that weave through the woods. Basically at Governor’s Mansion there is something for everyone.
6. Horse Thief Canyon Trail Kanopolis
My brother and his wife hiked the Horse Thief Canyon Trail at Kanopolis for their anniversary and they loved this trail. It has everything! From the top of the hill you can see everything, but if you keep walking you can see within the canyon. According to them it feels like hiking the wild west. The Canyon itself is the path horse thieves used to take hundreds of years ago. Hence the name. Neat, right?
7. Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is surrounded by many trails of all difficulty levels. These trails tend to be more narrow, so be prepared for that. We brought a picnic with us the last time we hiked at Clinton and it was actually pretty nice. It’s also so soothing to hear the lake water break against the shore as you hike.
8. Tallgrass Prairie
What I love most about the Tallgrass Prairie hiking trails is the history behind its preservation. The Tallgrass Prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but today less than 4% remains intact. Why is this significant? Well, the prairie ecosystem is home to the American Bison along with hundreds of other species. Thankfully the ecosystem is now protected and you can visit it and the American Bison on your next hike.
9. Rock Chalk Park Trails
The Rock Chalk Park Trails are stunning, especially in the early morning. What I like most about this particular trail is that the pathways are wide, so if you are passing a fellow hiker you don’t need to worry about space. Rock Chalk Trails tend to be busier than the others I previous mentioned, because they are directly next to the Park. However, hikers are typically friendly and like I mentioned before and there is plenty of space for everyone.
10. Parkville Nature Sanctuary
I know what you are thinking. Parkville is actually in Missouri and this blog post is about the Top 10 Best Hikes in Kansas. I’ve decided to give the Parkville Nature Sanctuary an honorary place on the list, because it is that beautiful. Seriously, if you have some time in the early morning this summer or in the coming fall, you cannot miss a chance to walk this trail. It’s breathtaking.
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