Hiking is great exercise, and a wonderful way to see all the natural beauty the Sunflower State has to offer. You don’t have to be a top athlete to tackle these trails; these best hikes in Kansas are accessible to even beginning hikers. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful state before the snow flies!

1. Nature Trails, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869, USA
Triumph1970/TripAdvisor
Choose one of three nature trails to really witness the splendor of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The trails range in length from a .5 mile to 1.75 miles and are dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend! (2840B KS Hwy 177, Strong City)
2. Clinton State Park, Lawrence
Clinton State Park, 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA
Patrick Emerson/flickr
Meander along the trail next to Clinton Lake at this pretty little state park for one of the most scenic hikes in Kansas. (798 N. 1415 Road, Lawrence)
3. Konza Prairie Research Natural Area Trails, Near Junction City
Konza Prairie Nature Trail, Konza Prairie - Nature Trail, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Cox6755/Trip Advisor
With wide open spaces and tall prairie grasses, it's an iconic Kansas landscape that begs to be explored. The section shown is the most strenuous you'll find, which is a series of shallow steps leading up to a rise that offers great views. Other spots are perfectly flat if you don't want to climb at all. (McDowell Creek Road, 5 miles northeast of I-70, Junction City)
4. Horsethief Canyon Trail, Kanopolis State Park
Horsethief Canyon, Beaver, KS 67871, USA
Vincent Parsons/flickr
You'll find two trails in Horsethief Canyon. Take the blue trail, which is much easier and takes you past scenery like this. The Smoky Hills region of the Sunflower State is really stunning. Kanopolis State Park is near Marquette and is home to one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Kansas.
5. Pond Trail, Sand Hills State Park
Sand Hills State Park, 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
Sand Hills State Park/Facebook
Just one of several easy trails, Pond Trail takes you through tall grasses and around several marsh ponds. Bring your binoculars for this 1.5-mile long hike. You'll see plenty of migratory birds here.
6. Cedar Ridge ADA Trail, Turtte Creek State Park
Tuttle Creek State Park, 5800 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
Turtle Creek State Park/Facebook
This award-winning trail is handicapped-accessible and perfect for pretty much everyone in the family. It's a pleasant little stroll that's less than a mile long, and so easy that you can even bring Grandma along! (5800 River Pond Road, Manhattan)
7. Teter Nature Trail, El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
El Dorado State Park/Facebook
This short easy hike is just .75 miles long, but it's packed with some spectacular scenery making it one of the most scenic hikes in Kansas. Visit in the fall for amazing foliage. (618 NE Bluestem Road, El Dorado)
8. Walnut Ridge Trail, El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042, USA
El Dorado State Park/Facebook
While you're at El Dorado State Park, you may as well explore the ADA-accessible Walnut Ridge Trail. It's a longer, 2.5-mile trail that circles the campground.
9. Neosho Riverwalk, Council Grove
Neosho Riverwalk Amphitheater, 14 W Main St, Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
Joanne C. Sullivan/flickr
Take this 1.1-mile loop that is nice and flat. Bring your pup (on his leash, of course) and enjoy the river and surrounding park. This is the perfect hike for a picnic!

Have you hiked any of these trails before? We think they are some of the best hikes in Kansas. What is your favorite hiking trail in Kansas? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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Best Hikes in Kansas

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What’s the most beautiful hike in Kansas?

Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail

Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail has to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Kansas, if not the most beautiful! But, be warned, this hike is a long one! At 22.5 miles, this hike will take you through all types of nature near Olathe, Kansas. Whether you want to hike near the river, over bridges, through the woods, or through grassy parks, this trail has the perfect section for you! The best part is that most of this long trail is paved, which means it’s a great option year round!

What is the most popular kid-friendly hike in Kansas?

Horsethief Canyon Trail

Not only is Horsethief Canyon Trail simply an amazing trail, but it is also one of the best kid-friendly trails in the state! Clocking in at under 2 miles this hike will take you up to a cave that you and your kids will love exploring! Horse Thief Trail can be found in Kanopolis State Park, which is full of exciting adventures. However, we definitely recommend going to explore Horsethief Canyon Trail first. The cave can be found in a large rock outcropping that also features arches and beautiful views of the water below.

What’s the most beautiful waterfall in Kansas?

Deep Creek Waterfall

The Deep Creek Waterfall in Manhattan, Kansas, right at the Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area, is the most beautiful waterfall in the entire state of Kansas. While only 5 feet tall, the Deep Creek Waterfall extends across 60 feet of the river, and there is nothing better than sitting by the river, listening to the waterfall to clear your head. Next time you need a breath of fresh air, head on over to Manhattan, Kansas to check out the Deep Creek Waterfall.

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