7 Of The Greatest River Hiking Trails In Kansas For Beginners

Hiking near a body of water is always refreshing, since most of us don't live near a river ourselves. When you want to get outdoors near the water, these beginner river hiking trails are the perfect choice. Come see what's out there to be discovered!

1. Cottonwood Trail - Manhattan, Kansas

This short trail is only half a mile long, featuring not only a river, but plenty of wildlife and educational information stations.

2. Harvey County Park Loop - Burrton, Kansas

This trail is a little longer, at 6 miles long, with a beautiful river and plenty of trail for either hiking or mountain biking. You never know how beautiful a place can be until you see it with your own eyes.

3. Linear Trail - Manhattan, Kansas

This trail near Manhattan is popular not only because of the railroad, but because of the beautiful river and opportunity for bird watching.

4. Table Mound Trail - Independence, Kansas

Another beautiful trail is hiding out near Independence, which is marked as featuring a river, even though we love the lake just a little more. It's about 5.6 miles long, and full of beautiful views, wildlife, and a beautiful bluff.

5. Horse Thief Trail - Kanopolis, Kansas

Horse Thief Trail is one of our favorites at Kanopolis, with about 2 miles to hike. They have caves to explore, but don't forget the beautiful river views on your visit!

6. Elk River Hiking Trail - Elk City, Kansas

This trail is quite long, measuring just over 14 miles, but it's got plenty of beauty that'll last you for hours. There are overlooks of the water, little tunnels under rocks, and lots of reasons to use a walking stick.

7. Republican River Trail - Junction City, Kansas

Last but not least is this beautiful waterside trail perfect for all ages of hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. They also have some great wildflowers along these 9.3 miles of trail, if you don't get distracted by Milford Lake and the Republican River's beauty.

If you'd rather see a waterfall on your easy breezy trail experience, check out this one that's full of history.