Prairie Spirit Trail State Park
🚴 51 Miles of Paved Rail-Trail Through the Kansas Flint Hills — The Longest Trail in the State — A former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad corridor converted into Kansas’s premier cycling and walking trail, running from Ottawa to Iola through tallgrass prairie — Franklin, Anderson, Allen & Coffey Counties, Kansas
Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is Kansas’s longest rail-trail — 51 miles of paved and crushed limestone pathway stretching from Ottawa to Iola through the eastern Kansas Flint Hills. Built on the former corridor of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the trail passes through small prairie towns, crosses historic bridges, and cuts through some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America — an ecosystem that once covered 170 million acres and has been reduced to less than 4%.
The trail is flat to gently rolling (following the railroad grade), making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. Most of the southern section is paved asphalt, while the northern section uses crushed limestone suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes. Small towns along the route — Richmond, Garnett, Welda, Colony, and others — provide rest stops, water, and food.
Trail Sections
| Section | Distance | Surface | Towns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa to Richmond | ~10 mi | Crushed limestone | Ottawa (trailhead), Princeton |
| Richmond to Garnett | ~12 mi | Mixed | Richmond, Garnett (supplies) |
| Garnett to Welda | ~10 mi | Paved | Garnett (largest town), Welda |
| Welda to Colony | ~8 mi | Paved | Colony |
| Colony to Iola | ~11 mi | Paved | Carlyle, Iola (southern trailhead) |
What to Expect
| Feature | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Length | 51 miles | Kansas’s longest trail |
| Surface | Paved asphalt + crushed limestone | Road bikes OK on paved; hybrid/MTB for limestone |
| Grade | Flat to gently rolling | Former railroad grade — max 2% slope |
| Trailheads | Ottawa (north), Iola (south) | Parking, restrooms at both |
| Water/Food | Small towns every 8–12 mi | Garnett has most services |
Best Time to Ride
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 55–75°F | Wildflowers, green prairie, comfortable temps |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 80–95°F | Long days, but hot — ride early morning |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–75°F | Golden prairie grasses, clear skies, best riding |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 25–45°F | Open/rideable but cold, wind exposure |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Pass | $3.25/day or $12.50/year | Required for cyclists 16+ (honor system) |
| Hiking/Walking | FREE | No pass required for pedestrians |
| Typical Day Ride | $3.25 | Pick a section (10–20 mi round-trip) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride the whole 51 miles in one day?
Yes, for experienced cyclists. An out-and-back would be 102 miles. Most riders pick a section (10–25 miles) or arrange a car shuttle between trailheads.
Do I need a trail pass?
Yes, for cyclists 16 and older. $3.25/day or $12.50/year. Available at self-pay stations along the trail. Pedestrians are free.
Is it paved the whole way?
No. The southern sections are paved asphalt; the northern section near Ottawa uses crushed limestone. Road bikes work on paved sections; hybrid or mountain bikes recommended for the full trail.
Is it flat?
Essentially yes. The trail follows the old railroad grade with a maximum slope of about 2%. Some gentle rolls through the Flint Hills but no significant climbs.
Are there places to eat along the way?
Yes. Small towns are spaced every 8–12 miles. Garnett (mile ~22 from Ottawa) is the largest town with restaurants, gas stations, and a grocery store.
Can I ride horses on the trail?
Yes. Horseback riding is permitted on a parallel tread alongside the paved/limestone trail in most sections.
Is there camping along the trail?
Not directly on the trail, but several towns along the route have city parks with basic camping. Garnett City Park and Riverside Park in Iola are popular options.
How far from Kansas City?
Ottawa (north trailhead) is about 60 miles (1 hour) southwest of Kansas City via US-56/I-35.
🚴 Ride the Longest Trail in Kansas
51 miles of flat rail-trail through tallgrass prairie, small Kansas towns, and Flint Hills landscapes. Bring your bike, a water bottle, and $3.25.
Wildlife & Nature
Prairie Spirit Trail SP — a 51-mile rail-trail through the eastern Kansas prairie. The trail’s tallgrass prairie, wetlands, and small towns support meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Ottawa to Iola. Franklin County — surrounding.
Park Location
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