Posted in Kansas Nature, Waterfalls March 18, 2022 by

7 Easy-Access Kansas Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure

Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? If you’re looking for “waterfalls near me,” you’ve just found a few of the best! These Kansas easy-access waterfalls aren’t too far from the road, and have minimal walking or hiking requirements to get to them. Enjoy a day out in our beautiful Kansas nature! Grab those water shoes and let’s get a trip planned ASAP:

1. Geary State Fishing Lake - Junction City, KS
Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Aaron Lette/Google
Though we enjoy the state park here at the lake, we also love this waterfall pouring over multiple rock ledges. It's almost as soothing as wind rushing through our Kansas fields. Check this article out to learn more!
2. Bourbon County State Lake - Marion, KS
Bourbon County State Lake, Marion, KS 66779, USA
aLecia c/Google
Another great falls attached to a Kansas lake, this waterfall is one of the taller options in Kansas. It's a rough little road, but less than a quarter mile of walking to get there and back. If you can manage that, it's a stunning spot to sit at for a while. Read more on KS Outdoors.
3. Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area - SE of Manhattan, KS
Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, 2464-2484 Pillsbury Crossing Ln, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Devin Zell/Google
This crossing area is stunning, and a beautiful example of how a few rocky areas makes a gorgeous waterfall in Kansas. It also doubles as a historic location! Check this article out to learn more about the falls and the hike to reach them.
4. Alcove Springs Park - Marysville, KS
Alcove Springs Park, 1834 E River Rd, Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
Harland Schuster/Google
This tiny falls comes after a miniature hike, but is less of a roar and more of a soothing trickle. It dries up when it hasn't rained in a bit though, so keep that in mind for your plans to visit! If you also love history, you'll love the history held at this once very useful spring. Get all the details in this article.
5. Eureka City Lake - Eureka, KS
Eureka City Lake, Eureka, KS 67045, USA
Laura Proctor/Google
This multi-area waterfall has a couple smaller ridges, but is still a great place for a short hike and a relaxing time near the water. If you don't mind a little big of walking, the waterfall's right here for the taking. Learn more on the official Visit Eureka website.
6. Cowley County State Lake - Parkerfield, KS
Cowley County State Lake, Spring Creek, KS 67005, USA
Matthew Redmond/Google
Another stunning waterfall spot is at Cowley State Lake where you might have to watch out for litter from fellow visitors, but it's well worth for the view. Check this article out for more information.
7. Chase Lake Falls - Cottonwood Falls, KS
Lake Road, Lake Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS, USA
Sony Photographer/Google
This little hike out at Chase Lake is perfect for stretching your legs as you get to the beautiful spot where the rushing water relaxes you. Plus, who wouldn't want to dip their water shoes into the water for a while? Get all the details in this article.

If you know of another great spot in Kansas nature, let us know about it using this Nomination Tool. Otherwise, feel free to post photos from your Kansas adventures in our Kansas Nature Lovers Facebook group!

Address: Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Address: Bourbon County State Lake, Marion, KS 66779, USA
Address: Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, 2464-2484 Pillsbury Crossing Ln, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Address: Alcove Springs Park, 1834 E River Rd, Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
Address: Eureka City Lake, Eureka, KS 67045, USA
Address: Cowley County State Lake, Spring Creek, KS 67005, USA
Address: Lake Road, Lake Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me

March 22, 2022
Tori Jane

How many waterfalls in Kansas are there?  

Kansas is a stunningly beautiful state that doesn’t get enough credit for its beauty. It takes a certain kind of person to appreciate its beautiful woodlands, plains, prairies, and streams; we think you’re just the soul. Did you know, for example, that Kansas is home to at least 100 amazing known (and named) waterfalls? It’s true! The tallest is Geary Lake Falls, at 35 feet high; this doesn’t sound like much, but we promise it’s awe-inspiring and worth a trip all on its own. Other notable waterfalls in Kansas include Deep Creek Falls (also known as Pillsbury Crossing), which is easily Kansas’s most famous cascade, and Empire Dam Falls are man-made but still magical. Which waterfalls around Kansas do you enjoy? Check this article out for more details about Kansas’s amazing waterfalls.  

What are some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Kansas?  

Anyone who tries to tell you that there are no great hikes in Kansas is someone who’s wrong, plain and simple (spicy, sure – but true). Kansas has plenty of beautiful hiking trails running all over the state, each different in its own ways and each with a splendid magic to it. It’s pretty hard to narrow the list down to just a few favorites, but we can try! Among our picks for the best waterfall hikes in Kansas are the awe-inspiring Santa Fe Lake North Trail, which is located in Augusta and extends for 4.4 lovely miles. That one is best after a good, solid rainstorm or while snow is melting. It’s truly impressive when it’s roaring! Seven Mile Creek in Lansing is host to another great waterfall, and the hike is easy and short, at just 1.2 (paved) miles long. Indian Rock Trail is another must-see waterfall hike in Kansas; it’s nestled near Salina and, like Seven Mile Creek, is just 1.2 miles long. It’s rated as moderately challenging (but super rewarding!) and follows a beautiful river with multiple small falls. Be sure to also add Geary Falls Trail to your to-do list; it leads to the best waterfall in Kansas and is under a mile long.  

Address: Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, US-77, Junction City, KS 66441, USA
Address: Bourbon County State Lake, Marion, KS 66779, USA
Address: Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, 2464-2484 Pillsbury Crossing Ln, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Address: Alcove Springs Park, 1834 E River Rd, Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA
Address: Eureka City Lake, Eureka, KS 67045, USA
Address: Cowley County State Lake, Spring Creek, KS 67005, USA
Address: Lake Road, Lake Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS, USA