Prairie Spirit Trail State Park

28th Road, Kansas

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Horseback Riding
Biking
Nature

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 6, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026

🏆 Official Guide: Prairie Spirit Trail State Park — A 51-mile rail-trail stretching from Ottawa to Iola across Kansas’s Flint Hills region — featuring crushed limestone and asphalt surfaces for hiking and cycling, 12 trailheads, tallgrass prairie landscapes, and connections to the Flint Hills Trail and Southwind Rail Trail.

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is one of Kansas’s premier rail-trail conversions — a 51-mile linear park that follows a former railroad corridor from Ottawa south to Iola. The gentle grades and well-maintained surface make it accessible for cyclists, hikers, and runners of all skill levels, while the surrounding tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and small-town communities offer a quintessential Kansas experience.

Trail Information

Detail	Information
Length	~51 miles (Ottawa to Iola)
Surface	Crushed limestone (rural) + asphalt (in towns)
Trailheads	12 — with parking, restrooms, water every 5–8 mi
Permit	Free — no permit required since 2019
Hours	Daylight hours (outside city limits)
Motorized	Prohibited — non-motorized only
Horses	Not allowed

Communities Along the Trail

Town	Services
Ottawa (north)	Full services — connects to Flint Hills Trail
Princeton	Trailhead, water
Richmond	Trailhead, parking
Garnett	Full services — mid-trail hub
Welda	Trailhead
Colony	Trailhead, water
Iola (south)	Full services — connects to Southwind Rail Trail

Activities

Activity	Details
Cycling	Ideal for mountain bikes and hybrids — gentle grades
Hiking / Running	Well-maintained crushed limestone surface
Wildlife	Deer, wild turkey, diverse bird species, tallgrass prairie
Nature	Tallgrass prairie, woodlands, agricultural landscapes

💡 Pro Tip: The trail is well-serviced with amenities every 5–8 miles, making multi-day cycling trips feasible. Garnett is the best mid-trail stop with restaurants and supplies. In Ottawa, the trail connects to the Flint Hills Trail; in Iola, it connects to the Southwind Rail Trail — creating a growing network of Kansas rail-trails. Check surface conditions after heavy rain. No camping on the trail itself, but nearby towns offer lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to use the Prairie Spirit Trail?

No — as of January 1, 2019, permits are no longer required to use the Prairie Spirit Trail. The trail is free and open to all non-motorized users during daylight hours outside city limits. Within the city limits of Ottawa, Garnett, and Iola, the trail may be accessible 24 hours.

Can I ride a horse on the trail?

No — horseback riding is not permitted on the Prairie Spirit Trail. The trail is designated for non-motorized use including hiking, running, cycling, and electric wheelchairs only.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 15, 2026