Prairie Spirit Trail
A century ago Kansans took the train from town to town, watching the countryside lazily pass as they road the rails.
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The 117-mile rail-trail across Kansas from the Marais des Cygnes river valley near Osawatomie to the heart of the Flint Hills is the new Flint Hills Trail, State Park. It is the state’s second linear state park and intersects with its first, the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park in Ottawa. Some 96 miles of the trail are now open for non-motorized traffic. Horseback riders, bikers, hikers, and even families with strollers can safely enjoy this recreational path that winds through the rural countryside and small-town communities of eastern Kansas.
The Flint Hills rails-to-trails track was originally a Missouri Pacific Railroad line built in the late 1800s that ran from Kansas City to Pueblo, Colorado. Railbanked by the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 1995, it has been managed and maintained for many years by the Kanza Rails-Trails Conservancy. In 2014, state and federal grants allowed work to begin on bridges, railings, and safety features along the trail.
A century ago Kansans took the train from town to town, watching the countryside lazily pass as they road the rails.
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Do I need a permit for Flint Hills Trail State Park?
There are no permits required to enjoy the park.
Park PermitsHow long is the Flint Hills Trail?
117 miles between Osawatomie and Herington
Flint Hills TrailCan I drive on the Flint Hills Trail?
No, the park is open to any non-motorized travel – hiking, biking, and horseback riding – but is accessible for electric wheelchairs in many locations.
Flint Hills TrailAre there restrooms near the Flint Hills Trail
Restrooms at Pomona, Miller, Admire, and Bushong trailheads are in the process of being installed. Please keep in mind that sidewalks and concrete approaches must be installed before the facility can be opened to the public, so they are NOT available for use at the moment. Please stay tuned for construction progress as well as dates for when the restrooms will be open.
Flint Hills TrailIs the Flint Hills Trail State Park still under construction?
As of fall 2020, of the 89 miles that are open and traversable between Osawatomie and Council Grove, about 59 miles have been developed with new surfacing, infrastructure, and safety improvements. Where open, it is well-maintained.
Several segments of the trail are unimproved or closed, but long-range plans call for it to be improved along its entire length. Improvements will be completed in segments as funds become available.
Flint Hills Trail ProjectCan I fish at the Flint Hills Trail State Park?
No, but the trail does pass through the Herrington City Lake, Council Grove Lake, Pomona State Park, and Eisenhower State Park
Fishing InfoCan I hunt near the Flint Hills Trail State Park?
No, there is no hunting off the trail. Hunting is available at other State Parks.
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