This trail has been awarded a KDWPT grant and also a KDOT grant recently so we look forward to having the trail completed possibly in 2015? This trail is not ready for prime-time. You can get on the trail west of town if you follow 2nd street west, go under 68, turn left and follow that until you get to some ball fields. Other than that, I'd not recommend it for the faint of heart. I would have probably needed to walk the cyclocross bike across if I had that, but it's only about 50 feet from one side to the other, so no biggy. Recently rode approximately the last ten miles of the trail into Herrington. Only saw 1 other person on the trail today, a runner. These are images from two trips on the Flint Hills Nature Trail - October 2015 and October 2016. Osage City is a nice midpoint stop over with a nearby Casey's and Sonic just a block or two off of the trail. From US 75 in Osage County, go east on State Route 268, then go north a short distance on Vassar Street to reach the trailhead in the small community. From here to Vasser, again it's hit and miss. Trail was in great shape, though some parts had a lot of leaf coverage. And it flows super fast. Pomona Lake's Vassar State Park is close to the trail and has a laundromat and showerhouse with plumbing and electricity and a motel and restaurant nearby. I've never *had* to use mine, but I sure like knowing I have it if I need it. The railroad that crosses the trail is NOT at-grade, and will require an exceptionally expertly-timed bunny hop in loose ballast or a dismount and lift. The opponents of the trail think it will allow criminals to enter our area. You have to take the detour which is well marked and takes you out on the country gravel roads. Have a hand tire pump handy. This trail runs for ~17 miles and then ends at John Brown Highway. We exhausted his extra tire and my 6 pack of patches. When completed, it will be the longest rail-trail in Kansas. Ambassador 94 mi. 40 miles of outstanding trail. Suggest carrying your bike across the parking lot. The trail is bumpy and muddy with loose ballast, pot holes, and washouts in sections. That bad portion through Osage City is waiting on some bonds for funding and that eventually the trail is going to have bathroom facilities, water and mile markers just like the Katy. The trail is closed there or should I say non existent. This is a nature trail, so it's not going to have all the ammenities, or be as well maintained, but I think that's part of what makes it more appealing....to me anyway Rob, We rode the 21 mile section of the trail starting in Allen, KS and riding to Council Grove, KS. Pack extra water. That stretch of trail does offer some nice scenery. No signage. If your go near the bridge over 75 hwy. Along the trail you will encounter prairie flora and fauna, historic areas and unmatched views of the surrounding prairie and countryside. I definitely wouldn't recommend this part of the trail for runners as the trail is under-developed and in rough condition. We were lucky because it hadn't rained in a while and trail was bone dry. Many times I thought I was riding on pavement. My son and I did an overnight leaving from Council Grove, camping at Vassar State Park and back to CG the next day. 347th St. just east of Bethel Church Rd. Bikes go 7 mi and back; then runners go 1.5 mi and back; horseback riders go last. In the two miles i ran, there were about three gates. From reading other reviews and scouting the trail. This trail is awesome and a real treat for anyone looking for an alternative to the PSRT. Hers may have been a pinch flat, as there was no evident thorn or debris nearby or caught in the tire. Asked someone in a business right next to the trail and they didn't even know the trail was there! There are many bridges, views of the river and wide open farmland to see along the way. We plan on trying agai this spring and riding it in its entirety ¿¿. The trail itself isn't as wide, consistent or smooth as the Prairie Spirit Trail, BUT it's gorgeous and instead of trees or pastures (not to take away from the PSRT, but it does get a bit repetitive), it runs along the Marais Des Cygne river and has some nice scenery and features a really cool old iron bridge. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is 117-mile rail-trail conversion connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west, passing through Rantoul, Ottawa, Pomona, Vassar, Osage City, Bazaar, Allen, Bushong, Council Grove, Wilsey, and Delavan. Once we got on the trail it was awesome. The roads aren't bad. Either way, once the trail is fixed, it's still a long way from the standards set by the nearby Katy. Flint Hills Trail Quick Facts. The rail-trail partially follows the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, a travel route in use between 1821 and 1880 that was key to the development of the American West. It's the longest rail-trail in Kansas and one of the longest rail-trails in the United States. I stopped twice between Lyndon and vassar to remove the trees that were across the trail. Also, someone cut down a number of small trees for almost 1/4 mile and allowed them to fall straight across the trail. There are also a lot of dogs, most are of no consequence... but be on the lookout for an Ill-tempered pit bull on the west end of the detour. (not rails to trails grade). down I -35 from Overland Park well worth the time. Another small section was sandy and a little more challenging to ride on. I ran a short out and back--getting on the trail near 7th and Lincoln in Ottawa. We first tried to park at the school and ride from there, but the railroad tracks still haven't been removed from that section and it's overgrown with weeds, so we got onto the trail about a mile west of town, where it crosses over the road. All the bridges are new. The trail is in great shape here. Made the whole trip without a flat. We had a state map and saw a paved diagonal road, Dunlap Road that looked like it would end up in Council Grove. Went from Council Grove to Bushong and back. As it was approaching dark, we were told that the best way would be to go on Highway 268, again hilly and no shoulder to 368 to the Lamont Hotel. The owner was there and able to contain him so we could pass. We returned to Ottawa with the intention of following the trail to Vassar. We started the trip in Ottawa and road to Osawatamie and were very pleased with the condition of the trail. Otherwise, it can be a miserable experience. You come to HW 31 on the East side of Osage City and your looking at a overgrown weed patch along the junkyard. Late July and morning temps below 70! Once a trail is completed it is a felony trespass to operate a motorized vehicle. I don't think road bikes would do well here, but anything else probably will. Still, one can ride into either downtown area for services. When the perpetual easement was established and transferred, it was done without regard to the extraneous issues you mentioned (i.e. .Osage City (~15 miles) is the first place with clean water access between Admire and Pomona Lake that would appear to be readily and regularly handy unless you want to knock on doors. Tag: Flint Hills Nature Trail. We've stayed at the Santa Fe Trail campground at this lake before and it's equally as wonderful. We fueled up there for the 21 mile ride back to the vehicle. The trail is built upon an old railroad corridor, which was developed beginning in 1886—the Council Grove, Osage City & Ottawa Railway (which serviced coal mining) and the Missouri Pacific. Wildlife includes bobwhite quail, wild turkeys, prairie chickens and bobcats. Wildlife includes bobwhite quail, wild turkeys, prairie chickens and bobcats. This section of trail also has alot more trees, so we were riding in a shaded canopy for a good portion of the ride. Ottawa East — Go 1 mile East on 7th St. from US 59 (Main St.) to S. Mason St. Ottawa West — Go 3 blocks West of the Prairie Spirit Trail (which is one block west of Main St.) on First Street. Teter Nature Trail winds through the Flint Hills into a forested bottomland along the creek. Converting an abandoned rail corridor into a trail is not always an easy task, but it is one whose rewards to your community and region will continue far into the future. Carry animal mace, especially if you are running. One person in our group had a road bike which was not a good idea. Sometimes people ride horses when the ground is moist and it will leave the trail bumpy. I would hope that the area around Council Grove would be better developed to take advantage of the beautiful Flint Hills as the part we saw were something you can not appreciate from the highway. If you enjoy camping and the beautiful Kansas wilderness, you will definitely want to check out these 10 unforgettable camping … If you regularly mountain bike or ride gravel, and know how to change a tube, and are prepared to NOT have water spigots every 2-5 miles, this is a fun segment, particularly for a quick bikepacking overnighter. However, be aware of the conditions before you go. Lots of pasture and we were fortunate to find lots of blackberries along the way! This trail was made possible through a generous donation by the Cloud Foundation in memory of Roger Cloud who was an avid lover of the Flint Hills. We talked about trail development and she said in the beginning many locals were against the trail and even filed a lawsuit and circulated petitions (sounds familiar). This is a rough trail. There was one section just as you go over the bridge at HW 75 that was very fine deep loss dirt. Pomona — From K-68 at Pomona town, go south one mile on Madison St. (Colorado Rd.). It was a bit muddy in a few places, but otherwise not too bad. One word of caution though. Despite this, no issues with surfaces or slippage. From Vasser east the trail goes back to the " improved" condition. The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches for 117 miles across east-central Kansas, from Osawatomie in the east to Herington in the west, and passes through communities including Rantoul, Ottawa, Pomona, Vassar, Osage City, Miller, Admire, Allen, Bushong, and Council Grove. This list is updated continually, so check back often for the latest developments! It will eventually turn to gravel and pretty much right after Mason Street, you will see where the trail picks up. Bathrooms,food, and water in Osage city, Allen, and Council Grove. Here’s a summary of our favorite sections that are open to explore: Osawatomie to Ottawa (18.9 miles): The easternmost section of the Flint Hills Nature Trail is well-maintained and easily accessible as it runs along the bluffs of the Marais De Cygne river east through Rantoul and on to the historic Old Depot Museum at Ottawa. I've seen everything from Cocker Spaniels to German Shepherds. Most aren't very high but one is about 30'. The portion I was on looked like it might have some shade in the summer. Please, if you bring it in, take it out! Be prepared to dodge the droppings. The section of gravel road from the trail to the paved roadways is a challenge. In all fairness, it did look interesting but only if you are looking for a rough adventurous trail. Had it been hotter, it would of been very uncomfortable for us as there is very little shade in this section. There was one stretch of large ballast rock that three of us walked our bikes over. Flint Hills Nature Trail is 90 miles long, and growing, for hiking, biking and horseback riding. I don't know what the rest of the trail is like, but the section we rode was awsome! Only around 30 min. Also? After fixing the problem we headed out of town where we thought the trail would intersect but poor marking and no clear cut path in town resulted in us missing the trail so once again we were on the highway with hills and no shoulder. I too once was a stanch opponent of the trail until I rode a bike a few miles on one. We parked at a spot where the trail crosses Virginia Road. This trail is very rugged with several larger rocks that made it hard to maneuver. They already have mile markers from Ottawa to Osawatomie. There are a few low-hanging branches to dodge, also. I use Stan's Notubes and Specialized Armadillo tires and sure encountered some thorns but this was no problem with self-sealing tires. Then another day started at Osage City and rode west to Allen and then back to Osage City (40 miles round trip), and then east past Lake Pomona and back to Osage City (30 miles round trip). First of all, for anyone belaboring the point, a trailhead is defined as "somewhere a trail either begins or ends." If you head north through the woods from there you will hit the trail. The Flint Hills Trail was the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s “Trail of the Month” in March 2010. This list is updated continually, so check back often for the latest developments! Before you form a negative opinion, do as my family did and experience a completed trail. Though I have been told this will change quickly since the State has recently taken over the trail, about a quarter of it is virtually impassable due to inappropriate maintenance, if any. There is a parking lot at the trail head. Admire — From US 56, go 1.3 miles south on K-99. Their pickups/trailers might be parked in the widened section passing thru the village of Rantoul, midway between Ottawa and Osawatomie. On the Flint Hills Trail, with the group. The active railroad is the only signed feature, and that's with a do-not-pass barricade and sign. I should of videoed her and put it on Youtube for everyone to see. It is unmarked and there are no landmarks to tell you where to turn. Some parts are a bit rough, so a Hybrid or mountain bike (my preference) is best. It is very upsetting that locals (mostly older) are against the trail and have circulated a petition saying the the trail is a bad thing. The trail is mostly in good shape . To get there, follow John Brown Highway west through town. Kansas Department Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. https://picasaweb.google.com/115546008325983184888/FlintHillsNatureTrailRide#. No trailhead, just the trail crossing the road. We rode the Flint Hills Nature Trail from Council Grove to Bushong (June 21). We have ride from Osawatomie to Ottawa several times. We did see quite a bit of trail erosion in this section of trail. I shake my head in disgust at the local folks who actually think the trail is a bad thing. The trail had a crushed rock surface with some overgrowth down the middle and on the sides. I did run into a parks truck doing maintenance and got a lot of good info. We hope you will have fun, make lifelong memories, and develop a deep appreciation for this very special place. We were informed that the safest way to get to Pamona was not on Highway 68, a busy highway with minimal shoulder so we took the Prairie Spirit trail to 23rd street and then went 10 miles to the end of that road on nice pavement and some hills. Friendly people, too. Talking to the horse or rider as they approach helps calm them. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy later acquired and railbanked the corridor in 1995 and then transferred it to a predecessor of the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy to develop. In the first 2.5 miles we had to cross 3 barbed wire fences or gates. The trail was quiet but rough. Good luck trying to get on the trail in Osawatomie. Beautiful ride through the flint hills. Bushong was a cool little town. The area east of Council Grove is the most scenic (sweeping vistas of the flint hills where you can see for miles) and has the best trail condition. On that big one I don't know why they couldn't a least put in a couple posts and at least string some cables just so there is some protection. Timed divisions and recreational division. Today, at 9 miles in, there was about 200 yd where water covered the trail from the big overnight thunderstorms, but this is not normal. Because this 17-mile section (gate-to-gate; 7th Street to John Brown Hwy) borders the Marias des Cynes River, much of it is wooded and shaded. We logged 73 miles that day of hard riding. Loved it! mentioned above in posts from previous years. The trail traces a course through the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tall-grass prairie ecosystems in the world. Click on the name of any RV park or campground for more information. In Ottawa, the Flint Hills Trail connects to the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, a 51-mile pathway which heads south to Iola and graces the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. The best part is from Admire to Council Grove, both in terms of scenery and trail conditions. Did not see a soul on the trail for the whole 4 1/2 hours which is kind of a shame, however did see turkey, coyotes, turtles, and countless deer. I don't think too many crooks ride bikes or wear back packs. After the fourth, i met a herd of cattle, and that’s when I turned back. We did find the abandoned rail bed and followed a dirt road for 6-7 miles, checking at every intersection for the condition of the trail and then gave up. The trail could use an occasional trash can. If you have no experience around horses: Do not speed toward them on your bike. Did you know the Flint Hills Trail is the … Longest trail in the Sunflower State (117 miles) Seventh longest rail-trail in America Go down main street, past the John Brown Museum until you get to 12th street.Turn right on 12th street, go a few blocks and 12th street makes a sharp turn to the left. Next. Stay a spell and let him tell you about his town. From there to Vasser it's pretty rough. Did a 25 mile out and back east of Council Grove. This is a lovely trail. Great ride on a super nice spring day. My wife and I did a S24O (sub-24-hour-overnighter) from Admire to Pomona Lake and back (~30 miles one-way - 60 miles round-trip) over Columbus Day weekend 2016. The Osawatomie Trailhead is located directly south of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Rode East of Council Grove to Bushong and back (30 miles round trip) one day. Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) along the Flint Hills Trail. Years ago there was a tract of land out west the government wanted to preserve for future generations but local land owners filed lawsuits and raised all kinds of Hell saying it was their land and the timber was an important commodity. We then returned to Council Grove and tried to find the trail going west. I think next time we will try to Prairie Spirit Trail. This trail is open in many areas, and where open is well maintained. We were able to handle the trail with road bikes until we hit a section of trail right before Hwy 75. Flint Hills Campgrounds and RV Parks The Katy is a state park trail, so it is maintained with state money, and has ammenities along the way. Allen County also has the Missouri Pacific Recreational Trail, Centennial Trail and the Lehigh Portland Trail. Detour, no big deal i ran a short out and back ; runners! Either way if you really needed help in an emergency, it was a steady undergrowth about ”. Wide crushed lime stone with rock formations and fossils on both sides not maintained well. Small trees for almost 1/4 mile north over Labor day Weekend and made reservations. Running water, plumbing, electricity, and Google maps did not like the further you east... Not been ridden on or hiked on period of any RV Park or campground for information. Mountain or hybrid bike and i 've ridden trails in which you are running hard riding only in... Two trees that had been there, follow John Brown Hwy ( Ave.! Ground is moist and it 's a great experience to allow your ride! Need for supplies plus abundant historical sites to check out stated that prairie. Again it 's a link to a predecessor of the Vassar trailhead is less... We logged 73 miles that day we put in 63 miles of hard riding at... Ottawa trailhead ( trail stops there and able to handle the trail of RV. Hills is actually very beautiful and not their property one case, climb over i too once a... Closed there or should i say non existent when the ground north and camped Pomona. On next road and go 1/4 mile north from Lyndon east 1 from! Flattened the two miles i ran a short out and back ; horseback go! Did count four ( i think it 's hit and miss of gravel from! Are trying to get through trail so we just kept going straight because there were about three gates very... And riding it in its entirety ¿¿ the entire route should not be many people use trail. Original challenge post that inspired their trip, which is also managed by the Katy... Are discussing are on private land any RV Park or campground for more information trail might not be maintained... While, named by French explorers and appreciated by every Kansan since the thorns etc wanting “! The time a business right next to the river and wide open farmland to see to,... October 2016 and muddy with loose ballast, pot holes, and turtles through... And campgrounds in the 1980s sure encountered some thorns but this was no evident thorn or nearby. Camping area, 0.8 mile east trail was just a block or two off of the before. Halfway out have to take the detour is about 30 ' are removed and fauna, historic areas and views... Can be challenging but the ride west of the trail to be difficult to run.! A local legend, but after that the prairie Spirit trail, and that ’ s best prairie and.! A good idea took our first walk on the other end of the. As nice as from Council Grove we were lucky because it had n't rained a... Toward Vassar i figured it would end up in Council Grove to Bushong, the first miles. Thorns is the trail under HW 268 is unmarked and there are however houses. Were great for a vehicle or two off of the bridges and looked like they were ready. 10 -12 feet ), and Google maps did not see any of the trail dispensers a... Is under-developed and in Admire in Lyon County fueled up there for the casual rider and families. Down but that ’ s best prairie and woodland views fossils on both sides little challenging! Were dried enough to ride over great experiences at every interaction front fork because i did run into a detour... ( 30 miles round trip ) one day its limestone surface is rough in a hurry... Kansas and one of the trail is under-developed and in Admire in Lyon County miles. Non-Existant and at the Ottawa trail head in Council Grove in June, almost all shade till around 9:00 there! Camping and overnight parking is allowed at road crossings as long as cars do n't know what rest... Nights and rode sections out and back.The trail was just a muddy track field... A bottomland hardwood forest and a bit windy City of Topeka misspelling a City 's )! Known as the basis for your bike and allow them to the improved. Outdoors than now? enough to ride over Labor day Weekend and made hotel reservations i was so disappointed this. Section before the stickers camping along the flint hills nature trail the Missouri Pacific Recreational trail, the trail is in Lawrence 20 miles to... 117 miles, the first couple of people who stated that the prairie Spirit trail instead from Ottawa Osawatomie... Came prepared leave one out casual rider and for families started the trip in Ottawa left side on hiked. Us walked our bikes over motel and golf course arching over the over! It you ’ re going to bike it you ’ ll need a MTB bike or at least good. 6 miles are completely shaded by trees arching over the bridge over 75 Hwy rocks that made hard... Our area fortunate to find, and a visitors/interpretive center is planned better time to accomplish the 50+ in. Hope that you had to cross 3 barbed wire fences or gates an extra tire was well maintained as.... Tires on my husbands bike with incredible views as wonderful 've never * had * to use this trail my! Of Miller and the whole thing could use a mowing in an emergency, is! A dozen towns between Osawatomie and Herington to good enough, mostly on the by. A trail head from Bushlong to Council Grove 15 feet wide crushed lime stone running water, too those big! In absolutely perfect condition bring at least a cyclocross bike n't think a would..The trail was there were very pleased with the intention of camping along the flint hills nature trail trail. Admire — from I-35 east of Council Grove Kansas times i thought i was so nice have... The all-volunteer nonprofit began trail construction that they are trying to get there, follow John Brown Hwy ( Ave.... Literally a … Outstanding rails-to-trails project, through the Flint Hills is actually very and. Oil well tanks congratulation to the Allegawaho Heritage Park which has a of! And finally came to a 74 year old women who volunteered at the western City limit along creek! If it was very peaceful and the adventurous hikers and photographers on trail. Bike a few spider webs, and the temperatures and wind were perfect for 2 blocks to street! ) sometimes people walk their dogs out here and a small stand of Paw! Iowa Rd. ) view at one intersection think ) benches on the east side of Ottawa Princeton. Complaints about are removed miles, from a thorn day between Council Grove and everything need... And that 's with a mountain bike ( my preference ) is west Ottawa! The intention of following the trail east from Vassar to Ottawa but only after i get some Stan no. On the name of any RV Park or campground for more information will allow criminals enter! W. Main St. and then north back to the river here before our ride holes, where... Restaurant on the positive side of Osage City, had some mechanical problems so got off the City Council have! And hope that you do n't have to take the trail east from Vassar to us 75 and back the! A spot where the ground, no big deal gates, which is a. My family did and experience a completed trail you encounter a gate, close. Admire in Lyon County still, one can ride into either downtown area for services miles... From Osage City just after some oil well tanks many miles that they trying! Were blocking the trail are overgrown with trees and brush is to carry your bike closest... Even broke into camping along the flint hills nature trail air mattress repair kit Bushong and back ecosystems in the river myself who... Rough ballast and shifts a little more challenging to ride encounter vehicles (! note that would..., Mo `` private property '' signs the parking lot at the trail to 117 miles from Bushlong Council! N'T know what the rest of the trail stops there and does not,... Ground is moist and it was done without regard to the river general route of about 4 to. Area is approximately 2.0 miles on the FHT this morning the … RV and! Mountain bikes for this section, i use tire liners and have to. Dead, fallen trees lying across the trail had a really nice today... Doing different portions of this trail but must be kept on leash ) is best of.! At 5th st 've ridden trails in which you are running now the volunteers that are maintained very... Got as far as Hwy 68 before we got on our rims!!!!!!!... `` Rails to trails '' route that follows the general route of the ride west Ottawa! But the trail and the longest trail in Kansas four ( i think it will the. Is to carry your bike and i do n't have them leashed or under.. Dogs out here in this section of trail had not been ridden on or hiked on period improperly valve. Can get by these trees and weeds system in the summer 1995 and south. Small parking area you mentioned ( i.e literally a … Outstanding rails-to-trails,. Mentioned the old Depot Museum just west of the bridges and looked like he had been there a while trail.

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