10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Kansas Should Take

Are you a novice hiker who wants to get out and hike Kansas this summer, but unfortunately, you have no idea where to begin? Don’t let the thought of it scare you away. Kansas has many incredible hiking trails near me to choose from, including the 10 listed below. They're some of the best hikes in Kansas and each trail has a distance of five miles or less. This also makes them some of the state's shortest hikes.

1. Cottonwood Trail at Sand Hills State Park - Hutchinson

There is no better place to start hiking than the short and undaunting Cottonwood Trail, which can be completed in a mere 0.5 miles.

2. Cedar Ridge ADA Trail at Tuttle Creek - Manhattan

Another short, yet scenic, trail is the 0.6-mile Cedar Ridge ADA Trail, which is surrounded by pristine campsites and native greenery.

3. Teter Nature Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

Shhh! Listen very carefully and you just might hear the peaceful sounds of birds chirping during your 0.75-mile walk through nature. Once you finish the Teter Nature Trail, you will definitely want to try the neighboring ...

4. Walnut Ridge Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

... Walnut Ridge Trail, which also runs less than one mile. It's another 0.75 miles to be exact.

5. Neosho Riverwalk - Council Grove

The next time you visit Council Grove, don't forget to visit the 1-mile-long Neosho Riverwalk, which passes several beautiful sites including the Madonna of the Trail and Kaw Mission State Historic Site.

6. Double Black Diamond Trail at El Dorado State Park - El Dorado

Now it's time to take a trip down the 2-mile Double Black Diamond Trail by bike or foot. It may sound quite intimidating, but we know you can do it.

7. Crystal Trail at Milford State Park - Junction City

Sure, Milford Lake is known statewide for its awesome fishing opportunities, but did you know it also has epic hiking opportunities via the 2.1-mile-long Crystal Trail?

8. Konza Prairie Nature Trail Loop - Manhattan

When it comes to nature walks, it doesn't get much more beautiful than the Konza Prairie, which is home to more than 8,616 acres of the colorful tallgrass prairie.

9. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail - Strong City

Just can't seem to get enough of the tallgrass prairie? No? Then try your skills on the 2.9-mile Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Trail and enjoy Kansas nature the way it was intended. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two along the way.

10. Riverwalk Trail - Junction City

Listen up! Do you hear that sound? Nope? Me neither! It's perfect, isn't it? The tranquil Riverwalk Trail runs approximately 3.8 miles and is one of Kansas' most peaceful hikes.

Have you hiked any of the 10 trails listed above? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, what are some of your favorite Kansas hikes, specifically trails that are five miles or less? Please share those with us as well.