The Little Known Hiking Path at Mill Creek Streamway Park in Kansas Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

Hiking in Kansas is a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the Sunflower State—and what better time than at the start of a new year? For this adventure, let's explore the Gary L. Haller National Recreation Trail, which begins in scenic Olathe and stretches just over 13 miles to the Kansas River.

The trail is moderately challenging, but small children and folks using wheelchairs should manage it without issue. There are gentle inclines along the route that might take a little extra effort, but otherwise, it’s a straightforward and rewarding hike. When winter rolls in, the trail takes on a quiet, snowy charm, turning the landscape into a peaceful winter wonderland.

Personally, I think this trail is at its best in the early weeks of the year. It’s quiet, serene, and especially beautiful if you visit during the week, when fewer people are around. On crisp winter mornings, the stillness makes every frost-covered branch, icy puddle, and wildlife track feel more vivid and alive.

Winter in Kansas can be unpredictable. Some years bring plenty of snow and ice, while others are colder than they are snowy. Either way, dressing warmly and wearing shoes that stay dry will make your hike much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Mill Creek Streamway Park is home to the Gary L. Haller Trail, offering more than 17 miles of hiking and biking trails, wildlife-watching opportunities, and plenty of unique features. With its mix of shaded forest paths and open prairie views, you can easily tailor your hike to be as short or long as you like. Mornings are especially peaceful, and while locals know and enjoy the park, much of the rest of the state tends to overlook it—a hidden gem right in plain sight.

Trail Tip: A section of the Gary L. Haller Trail near the Northgate trailhead will be closed through the end of 2026 for Olathe’s 119th Street Extension Project. Southbound access from Northwood Trails Access Park is blocked, but you can still head north.

For more information on this first-of-the-year hike, check out the official Gary L. Haller National Recreation Trail listing on AllTrails. To learn more about Mill Creek Streamway Park, visit the official website of the Johnson County Park & Rec. And if you’re an avid hiker looking to take your adventures to the next level, AllTrails Plus is a game-changer—I can’t imagine exploring without it.

Do you have a favorite winter hike in Kansas, or a little-known trail you’d recommend? Share your pick by filling out our nomination form.