Mile 3.5 where the old road comes in there are a couple on top of the hill. “You will find something more in woods than in books. Had a very enjoyable hike. The trail is a 15 mile point-to-point trail which can be accessed from two main trailheads. Currently, the state park operates Four foot trails totaling 8 miles and one mountain bike trail which is approximately 4 miles in length. The scenic Elk River hiking trail is 15 miles (24 km) long, and goes from the west edge of the dam westward to the bridge on Elk River. These trails meander through the colorful oak and hickory forest surrounding the lake and lead the hiker through some of the most interesting rock formations in Kansas while providing spectacular views of the lake and Elk River. This trail is consistently ranked among the top trails in the state and so after hiking my way across the trails of Kansas for the past year I … We came across several armadillos, deer and a black snake. Mile marker 6t on the right next to the rock bluff. It is a beautiful area. This trail is rated moderate but I would share that starting at the east trailhead at the start is rugged for the until Mile three. Next time I may bring an empty backpack to pick up other hikers trash! It was easier to hike down to water by the lake but otherwise it made camping at the primitive spots not the most fun. We were lucky and found creeks for filtering but we also dropped water at the old access road around 9. before you get to the the Oak Ridge Public use area. Woodland Trails Regional Park includes the Great Northern Trail, a 4.75 mile paved regional trail that begins at County Road 1 and runs through the park before continuing north to the city corporate limit. Started at the east end and walked 5 miles in before returning to the camp site 1 mile in from the start. As you travel past the road around the corner is another campsite. Great views! There are many trees down but it is a well marked trail so you can hike around the down trees. Hike the Elk River Hiking Trail. Good weather. Wildlife watchers can see a variety of Kansas wildlife, including the large pileated woodpecker which is common in the mature trees along the Elk River. Also nearby is the Elk River Hiking Trail, a 15-mile trail from the west end of the dam to the US-160 bridge over the Elk River south of Elk City. There are large rocky bluffs, heavy timber, and tall grass prairie trails. Get the App. Sign up to receive emails with ideas for getting active outside and healthy eating on the go! The Southwestern trailhead can be reached from Highway 160 south of Elk City. Our group plans to come back to do the whole trail from point to point before our trip to hike Half Dome in Yosemite next fall! The Elk River is formed by a collection of intermittent streams in southwestern Greenwood County, and flows for about 95 miles (153 km) generally east-southeast through Butler, Elk, and Montgomery counties, past the towns of Elk Falls, Longton and Elk City. Not the best for a beginner hiker. Weather was perfect for November. There are also several gravel roads intersecting the trail which can be accessed from County Roads north of the lake. Elk River Hiking Trail is a 15.3 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Elk City, Kansas that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Just passed the 2 mile mark behind the bench are 2 campsites. Saw armadillos, snakes, deer, and a bob cat family pretty cool! Thank you, Lord! Before that, the day was hot and sunny as runners traversed the limestone rock formations, hardwood forests, and prairies on the Elk River Hiking Trail in Independence, Kansas. Beautiful views and love those big rocks. Welcome to Elk River Hiking Trail; a 15-mile path through the Chautauqua Hills that leads hikers along some of the most scenic and surprising areas in the state. The trail offers panoramic views from the tops of the many limestone bluffs on the northwestern shores of Elk City Lake. The Southwestern trailhead can be reached from Highway 160 south of Elk City, Kansas. Mile marker 7, 7.25 on the right. We started at the east end and worked our way west, going the other way might have been better given the weather. Our campgrounds feature RV hook-ups, hot showers, fire wood, and snack bars! 2 The trail zig-zags along the river for roughly ten miles before you reach the lakeshore of Elk City Lake. Explore. Remaining relatively level along a well-maintained trail makes the trek out to see the stunning Mt. Started on the East side. It is definitely a hidden gem, unlike any other place I have hiked in the Sunflower State. It is the crown jewel of the Elk River Park system. It rises at the confluence of several headstreams near Howard and flows 80 miles (130 km) southeast past Elk City to join the Verdigris River just north of Independence. The trail can be accessed from two main trailheads. Took about 6 hours at a persistent pace. This trail has no videos associated with it. Enjoy and hope the campsite locations help. The 15 miles long Elk River Hiking Trail is one of 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography because the trail, on the edge of the Chautauqua Hills region, threads through boulders and up rocky bluffs and has been rated the best hike in the state. Also 7.9, 8.5, 8.9 and 9.5 just a little bit down the old road or if you take the trail it is on the right down a bit. Parking is available at the Memorial Overlook or state park trailheads. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kansas/elk-river-hiking-trail Started on the eastern side and was planning 7mi in and back for 14mi but turned around a little past 4mi due to spiders - just got tired of having to clear them. The trail has blue trail blazes and mile markers. The trail is in need of maintenance. The pink line is the GPS track log from a backpack trip of the Chapel Oaks KC Explorers Pathfinder Club superimposed on extracts from the USGS Elk City, KS and Table Mound,KS 7 ½ Minute Quadrangles. Be sure to go into the ranger station at the trail head to get some advice. Here are some larger camp sites along the trail. My group started there and hiked in three miles and back out. —Bernard of Clairvaux, I think it’s awesome definitely go amazing site seing. GPS: N37 15.415 W95 46.487. What a beautiful trail! Be careful! 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