9 Of The Best Historic Stops Along Kansas’ Longest Hiking Trail
This huge and beautiful nature trail is currently around 90 miles and counting, but we can’t wait to keep adding more to it as we go. The history of our state stretches across this trail and we’ve picked out some of the highlights for you to see. The longest hiking trail in Kansas is also the most historic, even if it takes a long time to travel.
From east to west, there are so many historic locations that it would take weeks to stop at each one and spend the time they deserve.
Today, you can learn anything and everything about their local railroad history at this museum.
The Flint Hills Nature Trail follows this scenic river for a while, named by French explorers and appreciated by every Kansan since.
Next up is somewhat of a local legend, but rooted in history as well. According to legend, the infamous Jesse James and his gang used this overhang to hide during the 1860s and 70s.
Traveling in, you can imagine just how quiet things were when there were no cars or planes around, but this cool cave is perfect for a band of infamous men. Thanks to YouTube uploader barbershop22 for this lovely video that helps everyone find just where it is.
Next up is somewhat of a local legend, but rooted in history as well. According to legend, the infamous Jesse James and his gang used this overhang to hide during the 1860s and 70s.
Traveling in, you can imagine just how quiet things were when there were no cars or planes around, but this cool cave is perfect for a band of infamous men. Thanks to YouTube uploader barbershop22 for this lovely video that helps everyone find just where it is.
Over 200 feet long and very striking, this steel beam bridge is a wonder to behold. We don't get to see many like this these days, and it's a great piece of railroad history to boot.
It contains historic ruins of both homes and important buildings, and a noticeable Monument to the Unknown Indian on top of the tallgrass hill you see here. The Kaw lived here until they were forcibly removed in the 1870s, and today we can only see faint traces of the marks they left behind.
This spot is the oldest continuously-operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, founded by the first settler in Council Grove, Seth Hays, the grandson of Daniel Boone himself.
Though it's no longer a store, you can imagine what it was like to have one last stop to make before heading further west than you'd ever been.
Eleven thousand acres in the park, the trail is lucky enough to cross part of it. Though you can't see all of it, there may be plans to implement a side trail from the FHNT to the preserve.
It's two miles south of the FHNT itself, but we count it because of how useful it was along the Santa Fe. The beauty of a small abandoned town is always surrounded with mystery, though we know it was pivotal in their journeys.
If you were to take the long trip to travel this whole trail, how would you do it? I think camping along the way would be an amazing adventure. Share how you’d do it in the comments below! For a much, much, shorter outing, check out this beautiful waterfall you can find after the shortest hike from the road.
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