Biking and Hiking

This trail is still in development, but when completed, it will provide eight miles of safe passage for bikers and hikers along Military Trail Road between Wamego and Manhattan.

Directions

Travel west on 4th Street from Lincoln Avenue until it turns 
into Military Trail Road at the western edge of town - the trail will eventually be on the south side of the road along Military Trail all the way to the city of Saint George.

This 8 mile stretch of fully paved highway provides an opportunity, whether on a bike or in a car, to slow down and enjoy the hills, trees and scenery of this road that winds along the Kansas River.

Directions

Travel west on 4th Street from Lincoln Avenue.  Fourth Street turns into Military Trail Road on the east edge of Wamego

The beginning of this route takes you past historic old stone homes and through gracious suburbs. The remainder of the rarely traveled gravel roads takes you deep into the country surrounding Wamego and allow for a tour of surrounding farm and ranching country. Two miles of this 25-mile route are paved and about half a mile is dirt road. Take the opportunity to pause on the north end’s hilltops for particularly scenic ranching views. Restrooms are available in Wamego.

Directions

Begins and ends at 6th & Lincoln Ave in Wamego

As part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, Mount Mitchell represents a significant link to the Bleeding Kansas story, Territorial Kansas and the Underground Railroad. Hike to the top of this stately hill and you will be surrounded by undisturbed native prairie. Also at the top stands a brass plaque in commemoration of the Connecticut-Kansas Colony, also known as the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony, which settled in the Wabaunsee community. A new parking lot and self-guided walking tour of the area will open in 2009. Located 3 ½ miles south of Wamego, near the junction of Highways K-18 and KS 99.

Directions

Travel 3.7 miles south of town on KS 99. Turn east onto Mitchell Prairie Lane (it will look like a private drive, but it is public access) Follow the gravel and dirt road less than 1,000 feet until you reach a foot-path that heads south, leading around and up to Mount Mitchell.

This 22.1 mile trail is rated medium difficulty and features steep and hilly roads that take you to scenic overlooks of the river valley.  Deer and turkey far outnumber vehicles, so take time to catch the wildlife in its natural habitat.  Be warned that if you go after a rain, parts of Camp Creek Road can be quite muddy and may be impassable. Located 10 miles from Wamego.

NOTE: On the way you’ll pass Oregon Trail Nature Park , which offers restrooms and three hiking nature trails.

Directions

Travel east on Hwy 24 – 4 miles. Turn left (north) on Onaga Road – 3 miles Turn right on Oregon Trail Road – 3.5 miles and follow the map from here. For the best views, begin the trail by turning left on Lost Creek Road and following the map from there.

Every inch of this 38.3 mile-long route is wild, scenic and graveled and takes you through charming, hilly areas. Part of this route borders the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Refuge Area, which serves as a major migratory fly away for ducks, geese and songbirds of every description. It’s great for bird watching in the early mornings or late evenings. Restrooms are available in Westmoreland. Located 15 miles from Wamego.

Directions

Travel north on Lincoln Ave / KS 99 – 14 miles
Turn left (west) on State Street – 1 mile
Turn right on Westmoreland Road – 200 feet
Begin tour by turning left on Bigelow Road

This 22-mile section of remote Kansas gravel roads are all fairly steep, with rolling hills, and good views of ranching country. Restrooms are available in Westmoreland. Located 15 miles from Wamego.

Directions

Travel north on Lincoln Ave / KS 99 – 14 miles
Turn left (west) on State Street – 1 mile
Turn right on Westmoreland Road – 200 feet

Trail Directions

Begin trail by turning left (west) on Bigelow Road - .7 miles
Turn left (south) at Wilson Creek Road – 1 mile
Turn right (north) on Loux Road – 500 feet
Turn left (west) on McKimmons Road – 2 miles
Turn left (south) at Antelope Run Road – 1.5 miles
Turn left (east) at Admantha Road – 1.7 miles
Turn right (south) on Flush Road – 1 mile
Turn left (east) on High Point Road / Honeysuckle Road – 3 miles
Turn right (south) on Christian Road – ½ mile
Turn left (east) on Box Elder Road – 2 miles
Turn left (north) on Clear Creek Road – 4.3 miles
Turn left (west) on Dutch Hollow Road – 3.1 miles
End of tour in Westmoreland

These 22 miles of gravel roads are a gateway to some of the most beautifully scenic backcountry trails and wildlife areas in the Glacial Hills. Just east of Randolph State Park, visit the major migratory waterfowl and songbird nesting area at the Olsburg Marsh. Rolander overlooks Olsburg Marsh, which is open during hunting seasons. This area is chock full of wildlife. Expect steep hills at various points along the trail, but especially on Case Ravine, one of the wildest areas in the county. Restrooms are available at the local gas station. Located 27 miles from Wamego.

Directions

Travel north on Lincoln Ave/KS 99 – 14 miles
Turn left (going west) on State Street – 1 mile
Take a right on Westmoreland Road – ½ mile
Turn left on Westmoreland Road – 5.7 miles
Turn right on KS-13 – ½ mile
Take a left on to KS-16 – 5.5 miles traveling just past Olsburg
Turn right on Booth Creek Road and begin trail

The Oregon Trail Nature Park showcases 19 acres of natural Kansas eco-systems, bordering the historic Oregon Trail along its southern edge. The park’s three nature trails show the beauty of the Kansas prairie and wildlife, and take you past the lakes, streams, and woodlands. A silo at the park showcases an original mural by local artist Cynthia Martin featuring immigrants traveling the Oregon Trail, a Native American buffalo hunt, and wildlife. The park also has a shelter house, amphitheater and restrooms are available. The area is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Located 10 miles from Wamego.

Directions

Scenic Route: 
Travel east on Hwy 24 – 4 miles
Turn left (going north) on Onaga Road – 3 miles
Take a right on Oregon Trail Road – 5 miles
Park is on your left

Fastest Route: 
Travel east on Hwy 24 – 8.5 miles
Turn left (going north) on Schoeman Road - .5 miles
Take a left on Oregon Trail Road – 300 ft.
Park is on your right

For more information

Guard house at Jeffrey Energy Center 
(785) 456-6149 OR

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Operation
(620) 672-5911
www.kdwp.state.ks.us

This 1,200 acre park with 12,500 acres of water and 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline, has a variety of camping sites, from those with electricity and water, to almost 900 primitive sites. Seven cabins, with all amenities, are also within the park boundaries. The park features a swimming beach, boat ramps, courtesy docks, Fancy Creek Shooting Target Range, nature trails, a mountain biking trail, scenic equestrian trail, picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Restroom and shower facilities are also available. Located 20 miles from Wamego.

Fees*

Daily vehicle permit: $3.70 - $4.20
Daily camping fee: $7.50 - $8.50
Campsite reservation fee: $10.50

RV camping fees vary depending on length of stay and amount of utilities required

*Prices are subject to change so call for most up-to-date information.

Directions

Scenic Route:
Travel west on Hwy 24 – 11 miles
Turn right (going north) on Green Valley Road – 1.5 miles
Take a left on Blue River Road – follow around for 4.5 miles
Turn right (going north) on Dyer Road – 2 miles
Take a left at KS-13 – 1.5 miles
Turn left at River Pond Road – before the big dam, follow until you arrive at park entrance

Fastest Route:
Map Quest: http://www.mapquest.com/mq/10-AOboirPf

For more information

Tuttle Creek State Park
(785) 539-7941

For park regulations- www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Park-Regulations

Brochure

This area of the Konza Prairie features six miles of hiking trails, open daily from dawn to dusk. Climb to the highest points and be rewarded with wide-sweeping views of the Flint Hills and Kansas River Valley. A trail maintenance fee of $1 is appreciated, but not required. Self-guided trail brochures are available at the trailhead kiosk. The Konza Environmental Education Program asks that you sign the guest register, so they know how many people frequent the area and when. The trails wind through creeks, trees and limestone ledges, which lead into tall grass prairie with occasional steep climbs, uneven footing and narrow pathways. Located 22 miles from Wamego.

Trails include

Nature Trail Loop - 2.5 miles round trip (allow for 2 hours)
Kings Creek Loop - 4.4 miles round trip (allow for 3.5 hours)
Godwin Hill Loop - 6 miles round trip (allow 4.5 hours)
Hokanson Homestead - just off the Nature Trail Loop (allow an extra hour to enjoy investigation of this Swedish homestead site)

Directions

Scenic Route: 
25 miles - Travel south on Lincoln Avenue / KS 99 – 3.6 miles
Turn right (going west) on KS-18 – 14 miles
Turn right on KS-177 – 1/3 mile
Take a left (going south) on McDowell Creek Road before the bridge – 6.2 miles
Turn left on Konza Prairie Lane – less than 1 mile

Fastest Route: 
22 miles - Travel west on Hwy 24 – 14 miles
Turn left at stoplight onto Tuttle Creek Blvd. / Fort Riley Blvd. – ½ mile
Pass under bridge; turn right onto KS-177/KS-18 on ramp – ½ mile
Take your first right after bridge on McDowell Creek Road – 6.2 miles
Turn left on Konza Prairie Lane – less than 1 mile