Kansas’ Most Underrated State Forest You Need to Visit

It's time for a weird fun fact even all too many locals don't realize: Kansas has some forest left.

Once upon a time, what is now the rolling Great Plains was also partially (or mostly) forested, offering lots of shade - only hints of which remain. Some of these very old forests still survive today, though they're quite limited in scope and must be protected at all costs. Take, for example, the forest within Cross Timbers State Park - some of this forest counts as old-growth, dating back to the 1700s. It's a fairy-tale-like place with all sorts of things to do and experience, and my favorite part is its ancient trees.

Today, few folks realize that Kansas has any forest at all, let alone its history as a place with plenty of tree cover once upon a time. But the forests growing in parts of Cross Timbers State Park are particularly special; these incredible old-growth forests are home to at least 18 trees no younger than 200 years old. Some are known to date back to the early 1700s - an almost unreal accomplishment for an endangered landscape in the Sunflower State.

Amazingly, thanks to the science of inner-ring dates, we know the "birth years" of the five eldest trees in the entire area, all of which sprouted between 1727 and 1740 A.D. - making them more than three centuries old. This is amazing for anywhere on the planet, but if you told me they were growing in Kansas, I might not have believed you before.

If you're showing up hoping to explore the old-growth forest on foot, you'll want to check out the AllTrails listing for the Ancient Trees of Cross Timbers Trail. You'll find reviews with lots of advice, more photos, and a handy map. If you're an avid hiker and want to take your hikes to the next level, I strongly recommend AllTrails Plus. You can't go wrong - I don't remember how I hiked without it.

Of course, the fun of this particular Kansas state park isn't over yet. The old-growth forest is amazing, but there are more sights to see if you find yourself craving more after hiking through the woods. Toronto Lake is one of the most underrated lakes in Kansas - and go figure, it just so happens to be located at one of the most underrated state parks in the Sunflower State, too!

Lounging lakeside, though, is the best way to finish your day out.

For more information about this incredible Kansas state park, be sure to visit the official Cross Timbers State Park website. If you decide you don't want to leave, I don't blame you - you can camp here, too! Find other nearby Kansas adventures using our new Travel Planner!