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NatureNational & State Parks

Kansas Has A New State Park: Everything You Need To Know

Published Oct 10, 2023

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

If you've spent much time in the Sunflower State, you're well aware of what a beautiful place it is. We don't need House Bills or official titles to tell us that! Still, it feels good to be recognized on a national scale and to have Kansas appear in the news for something positive. Recently, you may have spotted some headlines regarding Kansas State House Bill 2039, which was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly in July 2023. The bill officially declared Lehigh Portland in Iola to be the newest state park in Kansas. There are now 28 state parks in Kansas, each of which offers its own unique draws, from strange rock formations to historical significance. Let's take a closer look at what makes Lehigh Portland State Park so special and worthy of recognition:

Lehigh Portland spans an impressive 350 acres and has 13 miles of gravel trails that are perfect for mountain biking or hiking.

A person walks along a sandy trail in a lush green forest, holding a walking stick.
Julie Buker/Google Reviews

It's also home to Allen County's largest body of water.

A serene lake surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Frank Springer/Alltrails

The park sits on what was once a cement plant, and several remnants of the land's former life can still be spotted on the trails.

An overgrown entrance to a stone structure, partially hidden by trees and plants, with graffiti on the archway.
Julie Buker/Google Reviews

This is a beautiful area, with a great variety of scenery.

A serene landscape featuring a rocky shoreline, calm water, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Julie Buker/Google Reviews

The wooded trails are perfect for bird-watching or simply enjoying the solitude of nature.

A sunlit dirt path winding through a lush green forest with tall trees on either side.
Lorraine Gillgannon/Alltrails

Walking along the coastal cliffs here will almost make you feel like you're in New England!

A rocky shoreline with green water and trees under a clear blue sky.
Josh Gimlin/Alltrails

This is such a beautiful area and we couldn't be happier that it's getting so much attention as the newest state park in Kansas.

A rocky trail winds through a green forest, with trees and shrubs lining the path under a clear blue sky.
Josh Gimlin/Alltrails

For more information about the newest state park in Kansas, check out the Travel Kansas website. You can get more information about the trails at Lehigh Portland from Alltrails, and if you're an avid hiker, make sure you take advantage of a free trial of Alltrails+. This invaluable premium service lets you enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps and alerts if you make a wrong turn.

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