Skip the Hikes and Try This Kansas Rail Trail Instead

When the squishy-toed hiking boots are begging to be left behind, I opt for two wheels and a long, meandering rail trail in Kansas. My favorites are those that braid woodlands with pastures and sweeping vistas of the tallgrass prairie. Long stretches of shade, pockets of trickling creeks with covered bridges are nice, too. And that’s why I think the Prairie Sunset Trail in Wichita is far, far better than most hikes. 

Where This Rail Trail in Kansas Is and What Makes It Unique

The Prairie Sunset Trail is a 15-mile route and one of the top 10 Kansas rail trails. It begins in southwest Wichita, following a straight, easy path west through Goddard, and ending in Garden Plain. I think it’s one of the best trails in Kansas because it’s quiet and scenic, and we can ride for hours barely seeing a handful of other people along the way. The trail is mostly gravel, winding between shady woodlands and the open prairie, with the occasional creek. The quirky bridges and tunnels along the way also offer perfect spots to pause for a sip or to gaze at birds and butterflies. 

What You’ll See Along the Way

Like most scenic bike trails in Kansas, you can count on the soul-softening rural landscapes, just minutes from the city. Somehow, the skies never seem bluer than they do in the Sunflower State, blanketed over a patchwork of verdant green grasses and golden grains. And rolling along, I find myself giving in to the fantasy that nothing exists beyond the bounding bunnies and waving wildflowers at my feet. Whenever I’m here, it feels like time stands still, hanging on that humid summer sash worn best by Kansas. 

Why It’s Better Than a Traditional Hike

The main reason I love rail trails more than hikes is that I can go a longer distance with less effort. There aren't many times when I’m willing to hike 15 miles. But put me on a bike and might go 15 miles one direction, and 15 miles back the other way. Additionally, I don’t find many hiking trails that effortlessly connect the suburbs to the small towns, following farmlands, trails, and woodland along the way. But on rail trails, this happens often, and it’s why I’ve come to love them more than almost all of the best hikes in Kansas.

 Tips for Visiting

The Prairie Sunset Trail is an easy outdoor trail in Kansas that you can enjoy almost all year-round. Admittedly, I have not tried it in the snow, and my favorite days on the trail are always when the world is green. But this rail trail delivers the same powerful serenity year-round, showcasing all the seasons on the prairie. Even frosty fall mornings with scampering deer and wild turkeys prove as calming as the early days of March when the first tree buds and prairie wildflowers emerge. This path is a wide-open, rural trail that can leave you miles and miles from shelter, so only head out when the weather is clear and there's no threat of rain, strong winds, or storms.

Over the years, biking in Kansas has become my favorite way to explore the Sunflower State. It engages my senses differently than hiking does, helping me experience more miles and more seasons than ever before. Plus, rail trails are an idyllic way to connect nature experiences with small-town tourism. I highly recommend them for kindred spirits in their "support local" era.