9 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Kansas

Hiking is great exercise and a wonderful way to see all the natural beauty the Sunflower State has to offer. If you're a fan of searching "easy hikes near me," you'll be glad to know that you don't have to be a top athlete to tackle these hiking trails in Kansas. It may be hard to believe, but the best hikes in Kansas are accessible to even beginning hikers. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful state before the snow flies! But before you head out, make sure you have all of the hiking essentials!

1. Nature Trails, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Choose one of three nature trails to really witness the splendor of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The trails range in length from .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

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

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

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

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 hike. You'll see plenty of migratory birds here.

6. Cedar Ridge ADA Trail, Tutte Creek State Park

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

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

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

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!