Unfortunately some people are not hauling out their own trash. The Northeastern trailhead is located below the west end of the dam across from the Fish & Wildlife Office. But it is actually 15.25 miles. We came across several armadillos, deer and a black snake. Good weather. It is a beautiful area. We waited til July because last time I hiked around elk city lake there were parts of the trail that were washed out/muddy but I’d be okay with that is it means there’s water. Elk River, river of southeastern Kansas, U.S. . Mile marker 7, 7.25 on the right. As such there weren’t any easy access points to water sources. Hike the Elk River Hiking Trail. GetOutdoorsKansas is a website created by the Kansas Trails Council and the Kansas Wildscape Foundation. Best Hiking Trail in Kansas, Elk River Trail, KS Posted on May 12, 2019 May 12, 2019 by Antigone I had seen several sources refer to the Elk River Trail, near Independence, KS, as the best hiking trail in Kansas, so my daughter and I decided to take an afternoon trip to experience it for ourselves! Here are some larger camp sites along the trail. It was hot as all get out and apparently hadn’t rained much in a while so I’m guessing what would have normally been easy water access points were all dry. In what will likely be the last hiking day for 2013, I decided to hike the Elk River Trail near Independence earlier this week. It is a magnificent place to visit, any time of the year. Two other trails, the Elk River hiking trail and the Timber Ridge hiking trail are also located at Elk City Lake but are not located on state park property. The Table Mound hiking trail is 2.75 miles long and runs along the east side of the lake from a scenic overlook at the dam to the Timber Road campground. Before that, the day was hot and sunny as runners traversed the limestone rock formations, hardwood forests, and prairies on the Elk River Hiking Trail in Independence, Kansas. There is flat rock everywhere along the trail so you must be careful with every step. Great views! My group started there and hiked in three miles and back out. Enjoy the crisp clean air on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving. Phone: 620-331-6295 … A special encounter. Thank you, Lord! 3. We came across this trail and decided to give it a try. The Elk River Hiking Trail is located on the northwest side of Elk City Lake. Very nice area. The Elk River Hiking Trail has been designated as a National Recreation Trail under the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Trail System and Backpacker magazine has rated it the best hike in Kansas. The trail is located at Elk City Lake which is approximately one mile west of Independence, north of U.S. 160. The Elk River is a tributary of the Verdigris River in southeastern Kansas in the United States. It is the crown jewel of the Elk River Park system. We hiked from the East side (Dam) starting at 1. We started at the east end and worked our way west, going the other way might have been better given the weather. Get the App. Primitive campsites are located all along the length of the trail. Started on the east side.. veryyyy beautiful hike! Also 7.9, 8.5, 8.9 and 9.5 just a little bit down the old road or if you take the trail it is on the right down a bit. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.” The Southwestern trailhead can be reached from Highway 160 south of Elk City. Independence, KS 67301 The scenic Elk River hiking trail is 15 miles (24 km) long, and goes from the west edge of the dam westward to the bridge on Elk River. This trail is rated moderate but I would share that starting at the east trailhead at the start is rugged for the until Mile three. The trail can be accessed from two main trailheads. The trail zig-zags along the river for roughly ten miles before you reach the lakeshore of Elk City Lake. GPS: N37 15.415 W95 46.487. 4825 Squaw Creek Rd Elk River Hiking Trail (620) 336-2741 Elk City Lake-Corp of Engineers, Independence, KS 67301 Description; Map; Covers 15 miles (one-way) from the west edge of the dam to the Hwy 160 bridge on the Elk River. Explore the best trails in Elk City, Kansas on TrailLink. Enjoy and hope the campsite locations help. Highly recommend this trail. Some backpackers consider this the best hike in Kansas because there is so much to see in this tough route. The hike along the Elk River Trail to Landslide Lake is a classic Strathcona Provincial Park hike. It joins the Verdigris River at the northern edge of the city of Independence. 53 were here. The Northeastern trailhead is located below the west end of the dam across from the Fish & Wildlife Office. Wildlife watchers can see a variety of Kansas wildlife, including the large pileated woodpecker which is common in the mature trees along the Elk River. Be careful! Camp site had a beautiful view and a nice breeze on a warm day. Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Difficult. Rocky terrain. I’d say it’s for more experienced hikers. Continuing along the lakeshore for another 4 miles give or take, be sure to take opportunities to stop and soak in your surroundings. Our group plans to come back to do the whole trail from point to point before our trip to hike Half Dome in Yosemite next fall! The Northeastern trailhead is located below the west end of the dam across from the Fish & Wildlife Office. It is a really beautiful trail to hike for sure, but I think I’d rather do it during the spring when it’s a bit cooler and/or when there’s been more precipitation. We were lucky and found creeks for filtering but we also dropped water at the old access road around 9. before you get to the the Oak Ridge Public use area. We hiked through several areas that had flowers and beautiful purple thistles. We hiked in from 9.5 back to mile marker 3. lots of bluffs to climb through. What a beautiful trail! Mile 3.5 where the old road comes in there are a couple on top of the hill. With more than 2 Elk City trails covering 15 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Pathfinder Parkway or Southwind Rail Trail. Elk Falls Annual Open House. The trail is in need of maintenance. The trail has blue trail blazes and mile markers for traveling both directions. Explore. It crosses several small streams and ravines and winds through narrow canyons and under rock overhangs. “You will find something more in woods than in books. The trail runs alongside the Elk River for its entire length, although views … Currently, the state park operates Four foot trails totaling 8 miles and one mountain bike trail which is approximately 4 miles in length. You start off on a overgrown prairie trail that follows the Elk River. Continuing along the lakeshore for another 4 miles give or take, be sure to take opportunities to stop and soak in your surroundings. Just don’t understand littering!! then another about 9.75 on the right, 10 and 10.5, 10.6, 10.8 and we stayed at campsite around 12.2. Sign up to receive emails with ideas for getting active outside and healthy eating on the go! Mileage/Distance: 15 miles point-to-point . Kansas Tourism. As you travel past the road around the corner is another campsite. 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