The Big Creek Nature Trail in Hays offers an easy to moderate hiking trail that winds along a stream, and a timbered tree-lined path. The trail is situated in Frontier Park, is about 1.5 miles in length, and affords some of the most beautiful views in Kansas.
The Elk River Hiking Trail near Independence follows the Elk River for 15 miles. The hiking trail offers panoramic outlooks from limestone cliffs and trails across several small streams as well as gullies through narrow canyons.
Black Hawk Trail is situated on the north shore of Pomona Lake in 110 Mile Park. Several trailheads mark the trail’s 21-plus miles. Black Hawk was originally a horse trail and has now become a popular scenic hiking trail.
The Flint Hills Nature Trail stretches 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington. The trail crosses the tall grass prairie, historic sites, offering incredible views of farmland and woodlands.
Experience immaculate sandstone rock formations and cascading waterfalls as you hike the Hemlock Cliffs area. A one-mile jaunt leads hikers down into the canyon and, according to the website, “under a lush canopy of large trees, through rock shelters, and past high seasonal waterfalls.” You simply can’t beat that.
]]>Take the family to experience the beautiful hiking trails around Clinton Lake in Lawrence. Depending on the hikers in your family, these trails will allow you to choose the best path for your skill level. Your options are endless as you set out to explore the lake, forests, and hills of this enchanting area. Wildlife is abundant and the views are spectacular. Stop by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Visitors Center for maps and instructions and follow the trail heads. Enjoy walking and hiking with the family.
The Agave Ridge Trail near Ellis will wind your family through a one-mile paved trail and also offers a four-mile primitive trail. Both deliver beautiful scenic vistas of Western Kansas prairie grasses, opportunities to view wildlife, the abundant Great Plains Yucca plants, and the half-mile cedar lined bluffs from which the trails are named after. The trail head is found in the Page Creek Area in Cedar Bluff State Park and interpretative signs keep you on the trails. Have fun and enjoy the scenery!
Located northwest of Topeka in the iconic Flint Hills, the Oregon Trail Nature Park provides three short loop hiking trails for the entire family. The trails are along the north edge of the Kaw River Valley and it’s the same route immigrants crossed over 100 years ago. The Sea of Grass trail takes you up to the top of the ridge and gives 360-degree views. Wildlife and wild flowers are abundant and don’t miss the old silo murals. Restrooms, picnic tables, shelters and water are onsite for convenience. Learn some history and take in the fascinating ecosystems.
One of five hiking areas at Cross Timbers State Park near Toronto, the Ancient Trees Trail is a family favorite one-mile hike. Walk along the scenic valley of the Verdigris River through 400-year-old oak trees and cross through parts of the Chautauqua Hills. This trail is rich in history with diverse habitat, prairie clearings, and translucent streams. Interpretive signage leads the way, and day or night camping is permitted. A great place to spend time in a truly “ancient” forest.
Load up the family and hike the Alcove Springs Loop Trail near Blue Rapids. Explore the trails scenic, history-filled surroundings, and look for actual carvings of pioneers who etched their names into nearby rocks and trees. Stay on the path until you find the waterfall and enjoy the quiet picturesque scenery (and the occasional wildlife sightings!) This is an awesome trail to hike and explore.
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Kill Creek Streamway Park is your next go to dog friendly hiking trail in De Soto. With plenty of accessible trails and open spaces to explore, this park is perfect for adventure seekers and their four-legged friends.
Established in 1981, it is a great place to hang out, with trails and open spaces to hike, bike, jog and picnic with your pup by your side. Spend the day any way you wish with your dog, get ready for a tail wagging good time!
The scenic trails at Osage Nature Trail are perfect for exploring with your pup. Make your way through this all terrain paradise, these trails are a great place to bond with your pup while appreciating nature.
Mutt Run is the ideal spot for a pup-filled outing. Dogs can run free in the mowed paths and wooded areas, while owners enjoy the facilities like restrooms and a drinking fountain.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, Tuttle Creek State Park may be just the thing. This park boasts tons of trails to explore, this is the perfect spot to go on an adventure with your pup.
Shawnee Mission Park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, including a 120-acre lake with a swimming beach and marina, paths and even an archery range. Dogs can have a good time in the 44-acre off-leash area. Your dog friendly adventure awaits you!
Here is a great spot for adventure. Located 4 miles west of Norton, this state park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with your pup, and make some new furry friends along the way.
Santa Fe Lake has two trails divided between hiking, mountain biking, walking and running. This spot is perfect for going on a long exploration with your pup, and taking in the sights. The possibilities are endless with how you and your furry friend can spend your day at Santa Fe Lake.
History lovers and their four-legged companions rejoice! This piece of land was gifted to the descendants of White Plume by the U.S. government and includes prairie and woods never developed, making it a great spot for exploration. Take your dog to discover uncharted territory in a stunning natural setting.
Chapin Park is the perfect spot for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails, a playground, an off-leash dog park and a RC aircraft field. With a pond in the center and a bridge, this park is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city with your canine family members.
]]>Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is a 41,000-acre lowland that is home to hundreds of Kansas’ bird species. It’s estimated that over 45 percent of North America’s shorebird population stops in the basin during their migration north in the spring. It’s primarily a wetland habitat and offers endless birdwatching for the more than 60,000 people who visit annually.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is constantly rated as one of the top birdwatching destinations in the United States. Over 344 species have been recorded in this massive wetland and being in the middle of the country, it offers birdwatchers a mix of western and eastern species. Hike along one of the many mudflats or shorelines and you are sure to see tons of long-legged waders like herons and cranes.
The Jamestown Wildlife Area offers over 3,000 acres of beautiful wetlands and uplands full of a variety of bird species. A popular area to visit is the Jamestown Lake where you can go on a quick hike. The area offers excellent wildlife viewing and photographing opportunities. Be on the lookout for a variety of waterfowl and other migrating shorebirds!
The George Stumps Nature Trail is a great place to bring friends or family for a leisurely stroll through southeastern side of the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. The paved trail is located at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, next to the center, and offers over a half mile hike through Kansas wildlife such as woodrats, deer, and many species of birds.
The Emporia Cottonwood River Trail a great natural trail that runs along the Cottonwood River and offers a secluded area great for birdwatching. The trail is just under a mile long and easily hiked or can also be accessed by bike. You can access the trail from Peter Pan Park and quickly spend a few hours there observing beautiful Kansas bird species.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center was the first nature center in Kansas and has a great hiking trail called the Ernie Miller Bittersweet Trail that is home to varying species of birds including chickadees and goldfinch. The 116-acre nature preserve also has an education center with exhibits and programs for the whole family to enjoy.
The George Latham Trail can be found along the western side of Clinton Lake and is a 4.5-mile trail open solely for hikers. The trail offers a mix of wooded areas and open grasslands that are filled with hundreds of species of native Kansas birds. Trailheads are found along the northwest corner and southeast corner of the parking area.
]]>The Dragon Motocross Park in Lyndon is privately-owned and operated and open to the public a couple days a week. If you’re inexperienced, check out Dragon’s “Robbie Skaggs Motocross School.” Skaggs’ training classes are immensely helpful for the beginner as he applies his many years of professional knowledge. Races are scheduled throughout the season. Call before you go to find out all the details!
Turkey Trail is a 10.5-mile trail that follows the Cimarron River beginning at the Cottonwood Picnic Area. The trail is slightly downhill on mostly hard-packed paths. The trail can be rough and dense in spots. Enjoy the abundant wildlife and scenic vistas surrounding the area.
The Perry Lake Motorcycle Trail is open from dawn to dusk and provides a range of narrow wooded trails, which include steep, rugged hills, and at times, deep puddles. There are separate beginner tracks available because most of the 10-mile track is geared toward experienced riders.
The Spillway Cycle Area at Turtle Creek Dam is 35 acres with a wooded landscape adjacent to the spillway area. The cycle trails are open to novice level riders and will provide hill climb challenges for more advanced motorcyclists.
At Bogie’s Adventure Park in Latham, the goal is to provide motorcycle and quad riding for families (and all levels of riders). The owners are accommodating and provide plenty of insight to the trails and the area. This is a great motocross park to enjoy the day.
]]>This nature preserve in Kansas looks like a dream, maybe even the classic verdant computer background that Windows is known by. It is a sight to be seen. Over 40 miles of a luscious sea of grassy hills, wild bison roaming, over 500 species of plants are all yours to explore in this land preserve right in the Kansas Flint Hills. What makes this preserve special is the wildlife that it is rich in. See this rustic terrain in this pocket of the Tallgrass Prairie and your thirst for exploration will be quenched.
Over 15 miles of these occasionally challenging blue-blazed trails will have you feeling connected at the hip with nature. The varied terrain offers an immense number of scenic features, such as panoramic views, narrow canyons, rock overhangs, beautiful foliage in the fall, lush greenery, and much more. Feel a rush of adrenaline as you trek through these canyons and over the hilly, rocky land.
The Chautauqua Hills hike travels through centuries-old oak trees and boasts some of the most scenic views in Cross Timbers State Park. The hills are covered in black jack oaks, scrub oaks, as well as other hardwood species. Cross Timbers is characterized by its grasslands and beautiful deciduous trees. The 11-mile Chautauqua Hills hike is challenging because of its length, and is open year-round.
Chaplin Nature Center is for those who want to get a taste of everything Kansas wildlife has to offer. Over 230 species of bird can be seen here, as well bobcats, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and for reptile lovers, you might catch a glimpse of some snakes. Not only is the ecosystem thriving, but so are the wetlands and forest. There isn’t a dull area here, that is for sure. Walk this roughly five-mile trail along the Arkansas River and experience the vivid wildlife right in Arkansas City.
This immersive and historic nature trail is one of the more invigorating hiking experiences you’ll have in Kansas. This first loop of the nature trail spans 2.6 miles. The Konza Prairie Biological Station covers 8,600 acres with native tallgrass. Along the way, you’ll observe fields that featured a working cattle ranch in 1977, excellent spots to see beautiful wildflowers, and if you’re really lucky, you might get to see a wonderful bison herd.
]]>Council Grove Lake Campground near the city of Council Grove is a great campsite destination for the entire family. Being situated by the beautiful Council Grove Lake makes this campsite a nice place to spend a hot summer day. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and water sports at Council Grove.
The Kanopolis State Park is located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway and is Kansas’ first state park. Kanopolis is a great state park to pitch a tent, and spend hours with your family exploring the rich history and scenic trails. Over 30 miles of trails can be utilized by hikers, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders.
Enjoy summer camping with the family at Lake Scott State Park near Scott City. This park was named by National Geographic as one of the country's 50 must-see state parks. While here, explore water sports, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing. The park is also ideal for wildlife observation, where you can see native creatures in their natural habitats. The kids will surely have a blast.
The Clinton State Park is four miles west of Lawrence and provides the perfect spot to camp out with your family and unplug. Water sports, hiking, biking, disc golf, nature trails, archery ranges, sand volleyball, a swim beach, fishing ponds, and playgrounds are all featured at Clinton. Pitch your tent and spend the summer outdoors!
Travel east of El Dorado and you will find El Dorado State Park. Known as one of the top state parks in America because of its accessibility to fishing, boating and family fun. After you pitch the family tent and prepare your campsite, you have over 4,000 acres to explore. Plus, take the family hiking, biking, horseback riding or swimming.
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The Flagstop Resort & RV Park in Milford offers RV campers a private, gated place to park for the night or an extended stay. Enjoy the sandy beaches of Milford Lake, stock up on supplies at the on-site convenience store or grab a bite at the seasonal restaurant. The grounds also feature a boat ramp, shower house, and indoor/outdoor event sites.
Located one mile north of Hugoton, the Eagle RV Park is newly established and offers updated RV amenities. At the park, you’ll find a laundry room, showers, vending machines, and more, as well as a pool table, dart board, games, and horseshoe pits. The city of Hugoton offers loads of entertainment possibilities, too.
Forbes Landing RV Park in Topeka is a great place to park and enjoy Topeka. This park is located close to entertainment spots, restaurants, shopping, and close to the Heartland Park Racetrack. On-site amenities include clean bathrooms, dump stations, Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and more.
The Whistle Stop RV And Antiques in Colby is an easy off and easy on stop when crossing the plains of Kansas. The park is located adjacent to the Prairie Museum of Art and History—presenting a fascinating agricultural history of northwest Kansas. Within walking distance is the Aquatic Park which is perfect for a day of fun with the kids.
You just can’t beat a KOA. Featuring a fishing pond, horseshoes, pedal karts, paddle boats, a playground, volleyball, and more, the whole family will be thoroughly entertained at Salina KOA. Not to mention the yummy food right on the grounds, including Hunt Brothers Pizza and an ice cream social!
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One of the best-stocked fishing holes in Kansas is the Larned Fishing Pond. When you fish here, you can expect to catch black crappie, bluegill, carp, channel catfish, or largemouth bass. Make sure to bring along a bucket for your catch! Be sure you have your Kansas fishing license, as well.
Bone Creek Reservoir is a young body of water recognized in 1996 when the Bone Creek Valley flooded to supply water for the residents of Crawford and Cherokee Counties. This fishing hole is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie.
Gridley City Lake is just north of Gridley and is home to an impressive fish management program. Kansas licensed fisherman may cast their hook into a fish population of sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, walleye, and wiper.
These two city lakes can provide any angler with a full day of fishing fun. These lakes have been cared for and attended to and will bring anyone who visits a comfortable, quiet place to enjoy a day by the water. Be sure you have your fishing license.
In the covered hills of western Kansas, Sheridan State Fishing Lake is a great place to relax and fish near Hoxie. Fisherman can hook a bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, or a red ear sunfish from one of the lake’s floating piers.
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Gieringers Orchard in Edgerton, Kansas offers a wide variety of fall-themed activities, including corn maze, kids’ mini maze, and pumpkin picking. The season opens in late September and runs until late October. Make sure to try a pumpkin doughnut and apple cider slushee before you go!
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Spend the weekend with King Henry VIII while you “pay heed to the exploits of jousting knights on thundering steeds, roam the village shops for unique crafts, delight in entertainment on one of our 25 stages, and feast on delicious food and drinks,” according to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival website. Open every weekend between early September and mid-October, Kansas City offers few better ways to ring in the fall season.
Prairie Earth Tours offers several different tour options, but the one we recommend most for late in the fall is the Premier Flint Hills Bucket List Adventure. Depending on which package you choose, expect to be treated to sightseeing, campfires, sunset horseback rides, meals, and much more.
Louisburg Cider Mill is known for their hard cider, fruit butter, and lost trail soda. See where the cider gets made before tasting the best cider they have to offer, made from apples grown on site. While the mill is open year-round, the last weekend in September and the first in October is the best time to come. That’s when they host their annual Ciderfest—a celebration all about the season and delicious cider.
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Sure, you could go camping in one of Kansas’s excellent forests or parks, but why not experience a truly authentic, uniquely Kansas experience by spending the weekend at the Moore Longhorn Cattle Ranch? A working ranch, they have 300 Texas Longhorn cattle onsite. Moore Ranch encourages visitors to join in on their ranch life, since 1998 they’ve been serving home-cooked family-style meals and an excellent experience.
While spending a weekend at a cattle ranch isn’t an experience to miss, traditional cabin camping is nothing to scoff at, either. This fall, sign up to stay at the Acorns Resort for all your RV and cabin camping needs. They have tons of different cabin configurations and can sleep from two to 12.
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The Maple Leaf Festival began in 1958 and has continued to be one of the premier fairs in the state. According to the festival website, founder Dr. Ivan Boyd said that the third weekend in October is the “optimum time to view the changing colors of the Maple Leaves in the area and the perfect time to celebrate the successful harvest,” giving the festival its date. Enjoy over 300 craft exhibits, music, quilt shows, and much more.
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This local guide is situated near Atlanta, Kansas, and strives to provide an “affordable hunting or fishing adventure in a low-pressure, family-like atmosphere.” If you’re interested in going out on a personal and helpful excursion, the experts at Timber Creek Wildlife Adventures have you covered. Options include hunting for deer, turkey, and native quail, waterfowl, and several fishing opportunities.
]]>Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
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Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
A must-see-and-do trip is visiting Rock City near Minneapolis. A virtually unchanged natural wonder. Rock City is centered around the 200 or so, “cannonball concretions” drawing thousands of visitors and bouldering enthusiasts from around the world each year. These rocks are large calcium and carbon boulders and are all gathered throughout the Rock City park. Not your usual bouldering experience, but a calculating, fun climb for all ages.
Become a member of the Kansas Cliff Club and not only will you get prime rock climbing opportunities, but also a community with the same passion. This is a grassroots, non-profit organization “created for the purpose of supporting the sport of rock climbing in Wichita.” Located at a vacated concrete plant, you’ll find 65 and 80-foot outdoor climbing areas as well as a 32-foot indoor climbing spot. There are plenty of routes to explore for top-rope and lead climbing.
Take time to find and explore Indian Rock near Salina. One of the original battle sites of Native American tribes, Indian Rock now provides lots of fun and hours of exploration for rock climbers. Indian Rock is located on the banks of the Smokey Hill River and from the top, climbers will have beautiful vista views of the river and surrounding areas.
Rock climbers at all skill levels are welcome to come and experience Emerald City Monster Mountain in Overland Park. Monster Mountain is an indoor climbing wall and is said to encompass 5,000 square-feet of vertical and horizontal climbing. It is a great challenge for beginners and more experience climbers. This is a great place to keep up with the challenges of rock climbing in an environmentally safe place.
]]>The River Walk trails near Junction City offer a nine-mile loop and a three to four-mile, point to point, hiking trail that leads explorers through beautiful fall foliage during late October and early November. The fall colors are spectacular and the trails are available for all skill levels. The trails offer scenic tree lined paths, a lake, a river and forest views.
Wilderness Park near Pittsburg offers almost four miles of nature trails and great fall foliage hiking. Hike alone, with family, or in a group and enjoy the naturally shaded hiking trails which provide beautiful views of the many crisp colors of fall. There are several hiking trails to choose from, but the Casseletto Loop is a favorite. The Casseletto Loop offers creek views, picturesque bridges, and wide paths.
Any time of the year is a great time to visit Chase Lake Falls near Cottonwood Falls but fall is particularly wonderful, after the temperatures have cooled and the autumn colors emerge. Crisp oranges, yellows and browns canvas the quaint two-lane road that takes you to the park. Enjoy the lake views, hike to the falls, gaze over the hillsides and enjoy the wildlife.
Get lost in fall colors hiking the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe and enjoy the vibrancy that turn this nature center into an awesome retreat from daily life. Quiet trails let you hike through peaceful nature settings. Make sure to stop to take in the beauty of this nature reserve and the opportunities to learn more about this unique Kansas environment.
Discover the beauty of fall at the Great Plains Nature Center in Chisholm Creek Park. This is a dedicated nature park which expands into almost 300 acres of native and restored prairies, wetlands, ponds and wooded areas that are beautiful when wrapped in fall colors. Hike the 2.5 miles of paved trails and view the 38 species of trees and shrubbery.
]]>A great out-of-the-way fall campsite perfect for crisp weather is Drury Park near Caldwell. This is an excellent spot to observe the changing colors of fall and listen to nature. This camping location is perfect for nature lovers—no swimming, alcohol, or guns are permitted at this park, which skirts a portion of the Chikaskia River. Your view also includes the Drury Dam and waterfall, operated by the Drury Recreation Area Inc.
One of Kansas’ oldest state parks is Kanopolis near Marquette. It has more than 200 primitive campsites where you can find your own personal space. More than 15,000 acres of rolling hills, majestic bluffs, and wooded areas make this lake’s campsites extra special in the fall. Nature trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, waterfalls add to the beauty of this state park.
Canning Creek Cove Park is located near Council Grove Lake in eastern Kansas. This campsite park is by Council Grove Lake and is part of the rolling Flint Hills and grassy prairies of eastern Kansas. During the fall, you can step outside your tent and enjoy the first light of the day, taking in the breathtaking colors painted by this landscape.
The Blackjack Campground is in the Cross Timbers State Park near Toronto. This is a wooded camping area by Toronto Lake situated along the hills of the Verdigris River Valley in southeastern Kansas. Its canopy of trees allows sunlight to highlight the park’s fall colors and dance off the native wildflowers. Lake activities, hiking, biking, and walking trails provide scenic tranquility.
Located near Fall River, Kansas, this state park is truly something to experience in the fall. There are six hiking trails located within the park, so there is plenty of opportunity for a scenic foliage hike. This is a favorite spot among bird watchers, photographers, and naturalists, due to its immense natural diversity.
]]>Start your day early by heading to the Otter Creek ATV Area which is located on the south side of the John Redmond Reservoir and offers over 140 acres of wooded trail to explore with your ATV. The trails contain diverse foliage and varying wildlife such as turkey and deer.
After riding, you’re going to be hungry. Fill up your belly at the classic Diners’ Kafe in Burlington, Kansas. Their Monday-Friday menu features satisfying sandwiches such as shrimp po’boys, breaded chicken sandwiches, and burgers. Be sure to check out their daily specials.
Make the most of your opportunity outdoors and head out towards the north side of the recreation area to cast your reel out along one of the many banks of the John Redmond Reservoir. The lake offers many species of fish such as crappie and catfish and it’s great place to hang out and enjoy the peaceful sounds of water and wildlife.
Head northeast along Embankment Road until you reach the John Redmond Reservoir dam. Here you can pull off and catch a glimpse one of nature’s wonders which comes in the form of a beautiful Kansas sunset along the rolling grassy hills.
Just down the road from the reservoir you can find the Riverside East Campground which is the perfect place to set up camp and call it a day. With over 43 campsites, it’s the perfect place to wind down after a long hard day on the trails. Pitching your tent and enjoying time around the campfire is the ultimate way to cap off a great ATV off-roading adventure.
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