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Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a challenging trek, Kansas abounds with scenic byways and breathtaking vistas. The most experienced and novice hikers will both find something to fall in love with in the Sunflower State. Here are five stunning scenic hikes in Kansas.
The Big Creek Nature Trail in Hays offers an easy to moderate hiking trail that winds along a stream, and a timbered tree-lined path. The trail is situated in Frontier Park, is about 1.5 miles in length, and affords some of the most beautiful views in Kansas.
The Elk River Hiking Trail near Independence follows the Elk River for 15 miles. The hiking trail offers panoramic outlooks from limestone cliffs and trails across several small streams as well as gullies through narrow canyons.
Black Hawk Trail is situated on the north shore of Pomona Lake in 110 Mile Park. Several trailheads mark the trail’s 21-plus miles. Black Hawk was originally a horse trail and has now become a popular scenic hiking trail.
The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington. The trail crosses the tall grass prairie, historic sites, offering incredible views of farmland and woodlands.
Experience immaculate sandstone rock formations and cascading waterfalls as you hike the Hemlock Cliffs area. A one-mile jaunt leads hikers down into the canyon and, according to the website, “under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls.” You simply can’t beat that.
