Explore the best rated trails in Shawnee, KS, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Burroughs Creek Trail and Linear Park and Rock Creek Trail (KS) . With more than 79 trails covering 572 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Lodging note. There is a new Holiday Inn Express on the Prairie Spirit Trail in Ottawa (just off I-35). They even have a short sidewalk connecting the 30’ between their parking lot and the actual trail. After getting on the main trail south of I-35, the trail is 90% canopied by the trees. In sections it’s just a green tunnel- great for hot sunny days. And rabbits. Lots and lots of rabbits. :o). Even saw a Bobcat run across the trail. out in front of us.
I love this trail and have frequented all parts of it for many years now. I’m so disappointed and frustrated that there are so many cases of break ins to the vehicles of those out on the trail. Just today I went to park at the Bly Rd. entrance and a sheriff was there because someone had broken into two vehicles while the owners were on the trail. At this point, the ONLY locations to park at IMO are the one by ColdStone Creamery and at Natural Grocers. By extension this is very limiting to which parts of the trail I will be walking on. So sad and frustrated at the escalation of this crime. User be very aware.
I can’t imagine a more beautiful ride! It had rained early in the day so the stream was flowing beautifully. Most of the trail runs right along the water so you can enjoy it throughout. There were a few parts of the trail that were a little bit rough and it was more walkers than bikers, but I absolutely loved it!
This trail is fantastic year round! Be sure to take the time to enjoy the Ted Ensley Garden along the way. So well maintained and easy to access.
Ottawa Trailhead to Richmond. About 27 miles round trip & 272 ft. climb. Quick, easy ride. Well maintained trail with good surface for our hybrid bikes. It was a destination trail for us and glad we made to effort to experience it.
Previously a top tier trail. Unfortunately has been overrun with either inattentive pedestrians/dog walkers or Tour de France "wannabes".
If you start where the north east end of the trail is at ballys casino you will find A wide concrete trail with signage and benches. However, 1/10 of a mile end of the trail it’s all blocked off for construction of a stadium and a motel no way around. Back to the vehicle load up the bike and go to the next place you can get on. Ride for 1/4 mile stop for six flights of stairs. Fortunately, there is an elevator for bikers. However, at the top of the elevator, you’re right across a wooden bridge and it dumps you into a commercial industrial area With no signage or sign of a trail. This trail could be awesome but as it is, it sucks. that is totally lacking in a trail and any signage. I rode around for a half an hour in the industrial area, trying to find any sign of the trail. Finally, I gave up and turned around and wrote back. This trailer could be awesome
We enjoyed our first ride on this trail. Not a lot of people and went through pretty scenery. We went on the south route from the trailhead which was a slight climb and then north by road and found trail coming back though this app doesn’t show the connection. The north route is fairly hilly.
This trail is right off of our neighborhood and has easy access to Gary haller trail. Wide enough for people walking dogs and bicycles to go by. Only issue is the pet waste station is on prairie star and ridge view, which is far down from the folks who live west of there. Would be nice if the city could add another one in closer to woodland rd to help with all the pet waste that isn’t picked up.
Lots of short ups and downs on this trail. Trail was in good condition but not very scenic overall. The part where you have to ride on the sidewalk to go from one section of the trail to another was really bad in so much as it is single file only which is tricky if riders are coming from other direction.
If you have a history of riding the actual KATY trail the newer Rock Island Spur may disappoint you a bit. There is not as much to see and do and long stretches without services. But the trail itself is similar with well maintained surface. If you are looking to put miles on your bike for a few days from the Kansas City area to St. Louis area this provides the trail to do so.
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