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🌾 Hiking in Wichita

🌾 Hiking in Wichita

Hiking...in Wichita??

Landon Huslig
February 26, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Wichita!

What are the odds we stay in this beautiful spring weather?

Let's get to it!

- Landon Huslig

Together with Somewhere Fest

Last summer, downtown Wichita came alive like I’ve never seen before.

Elsewhere Fest (now called Somewhere Fest) brought thousands of people out to enjoy a musical festival like Wichita had not yet experienced.

This year they are back with a new name and an incredible line up including Deadmau5.

Get your tickets today and stay tuned for more news!

Hiking around Wichita

Oh sorry, this is actually Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in OK

Maybe it’s the 70 degree weather.

Maybe it’s the people complaining about nothing to do in Wichita.

Maybe it was the repeat post asking for best hiking spots over on Reddit.

Maybe it was a combo of all the above.

Regardless what inspired this, I wanted to make a list of the best places to hike around Wichita.

No we don’t have mountains, so temper your expectations a bit, but we do in fact have some decent hiking trails.

Have you ever been hiking in or around Wichita / Kansas?

Local Trails

One of the first places we wanted to look was what experienced hikers (not me) may have used: All Trails (to see full details, reviews, etc on the site, you will need to login, but can do so with gmail, Facebook, apple, etc - it’s free)

A few of these get a little repetitive, but they look like variations of each otehr.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 from that All Trails:

Sedgwick Out Loop (in Sedgwick County Park) - Easy - 3.0 - Est. 53 min - 4.4⭐ (400 reviews)

All trails have these sweet maps you can use

“Highlights include different trails, scenic ponds, and ample shade. Challenges involve crowded areas and stretches of pavement. Reviewers recommend bringing water and peanuts for squirrels.”

Pawnee Prairie Nature Park North Trail - Easy - 3.1mi Est. 56 min - 4.2⭐ (298 reviews)

“Highlights include nice scenery and wildlife sightings. Challenges mentioned are confusing trails, lack of markings, and muddy conditions. Using a trail map and going with friends are recommended.”

Arkansas River Loop via Exploration Place - Easy - 3.3mi - Est. 59 min - 4.4⭐ (226 reviews)

“Highlights include beautiful views of the river and skyline. Challenges involve construction detours and a significant homeless presence. Reviewers recommend walking during the early evening for a quieter experience.”

Swanson Park Loop - Easy - 1.2mi - Est. 22 min - 4.5⭐ (171 reviews)

Madison Beauchamp

“Highlights include well-maintained paved paths, plenty of shade, and wildlife sightings. Challenges are icy patches and muddy areas. Reviewers suggest going in the evening and enjoying the peace.”

Great Plains Nature Center Loop - Easy 3.6mi - Est. 1h4m - 4.3⭐ (146 reviews)

Maria Mitchem

“The trail features easy access and pretty scenery. Some challenges include proximity to a highway and sections on the sidewalk. Reviewers recommend exploring smaller inner trails.”

Arkansas River Path Loop - Easy 1.2mi - Est. 1h4m - 4.4⭐ (91 reviews)
Arkansas River Trail from Exploration Place - Easy 8.9mi - Est. 2h41m - 4.2⭐ (154 reviews)
Redbud Trail - Easy 11.5mi - Est. 3h30m - 4.4⭐ (125 reviews)
Sedgwick Park West Loop - Easy 1.6mi - Est. 28m - 4.5⭐ (91 reviews)
Air Capital Memorial Bike Park - Easy 1.5mi Est. 27m - 4.1⭐ (114 reviews)

Not so local, but not so far

If you’re willing to drive a wee bit, there are plenty more options. Here are some parks, trails, and more that aren’t too far away:

< 1 hr from Wichita

Cheney Lake

Cheney Lake - Several options ranging from 0.3 to 9.7 miles (34 min from Wichita)
Teter Nature Trail, El Dorado State Park - 1mi - Est. 21m (41 min from Wichita)
Chaplin Nature Center, Arkansas City - 0.7mi - Est. 14m (1 hr from Wichita)

< 2 hr from Wichita

Buffalo Tracks - Kanopolis - click the image to learn more

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - Several options ranging from 1.8 to 9.6+ miles (1 hr 16 min from Wichita)
Buffalo Tracks Canyon Nature Trail, Kanopolis State Park - 1.61 miles (1hr 26 min from Wichita)
Chautauqua Hills Trails Loop, Toronto, KS - 7.1mi - 272’ elevation gain (1 hr 28 min from Wichita)
Elk River Hiking Trail near Elk City, KS- 14.5m - 951’ elevation gain (1hr 51 min from Wichita)