Hiking this good in Kansas? Who knew? I'm sorry it took me so long to get here but now that I've visited I shall return. I spent a marvelous couple of hours hiking the 6 mile trail here yesterday (the Godwin trail) that changes from meadow and dry/wet creek crossings to steep hills and finally the tops of the magnificent bluffs and hills that dominate the reserve. And what fine hiking it is. The trails are a bit wide for my tastes but they're covered with gravel and also serve as access for the research going on here. It's obvious there's a lot of it (research). I can adapt. This isn't Colorado and we're not at 6,000 feet. Take along one of the flyers from the parking lot as it describes a lot of things you'd otherwise miss along the trail and these items are clearly noted with small signs along the way. Be warned: if you're doing the long trail like I did and it's mid 80s you might want to take a bottle of water and some sun screen and a hat for sure (I did). The lack of shade and high winds that sometimes come (as did on my hike) will suck the moisture right out of you and you'll be glad you did. I'm really impressed with what's been built here. The Kanza tall grass prairie is one of nature's true wonders and the fact that Kansas State University has built this great trail (three at least) with a lot of information to soak up as you hike is a home run for this experienced hiker. One of the more unique hikes I've taken and worth the effort to get here. Access: entrance is clearly marked from the McDowell Creek highway guessing about 5-7 miles south south of the I-70 exit of the same name. read more

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Very cool! Amazingly beautiful and well marked signs! It only takes about 10 mins to get here from Manhattan and well worth it! The drive to get here is very pretty along the Kansas river. The hike is more of a nature walk and is about a 2 of 10 on difficulty. There are 2 very neat bridges near the beginning and the signs are well placed and give you the option of making this walk a distance of 2.5/4.4/6.0 depending on what path you decide to take! We opted for the 4.4 miles and loved it! read more

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Here's a neat little trail system, almost like a state park, this is used by the local university (Kansas State University) for biological research. You can take a self guilding day-hike, or camp overnight at the tent sites. Either way, you might get to glimpse a bison or two. Don't make eye contact. This means you want to either mate with them or you want their food. Either way, you probably don't want to do this. Other than that, it's a great landscape to take in and enjoy. Lots of rolling hills. read more

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This was a great way to spend a beautiful, spring day. My husband and I did the longest loop, 6.2 miles. The view from the top of the hill was amazing. The trails are nicely done, and well marked. There is a portapotty near the beginning of the trail, but nothing when you get further out. Take water with you, and because there is no shade, protect yourself from the sun. read more

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Konza Prairie Nature Trail is a lot smaller compared to the Tallgrass Prairie Trail but is nothing short of magnificent in terms of hill top view. This trail is so beautiful. We went here 3 times during are week long vacation. The trail leads up to the hill top where you can view the rest of flint hills. It feels great to reach the top! We watched the sun set while being there. The way down hill is a trail of wildflowers. They weren't as abundant as I expected - maybe we went there a week too early for peak season. Make sure to put on insect repellent as bees, wasps and other bugs are present throughout the area. It's truly a beautiful place. My most favorite one out of all the other ones we've been too. read more

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My first experience on the American prairie. My docent-in-training, Kristina, did a great job of pointing out interesting features of the landscape (such as the salt licks, mud wallows, limestone layers, various plants) and providing relevant information. We saw some wild turkeys, a deer, and some buffalo - one right up close by the fence! I would definitely go back! read more

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No dogs allowed which we didn't know until we arrived. We thought it would be a great place to stretch our and our dog's legs as a break during a long road trip. Alas, the detour proved disappointing although they have a nice laminated list of dog friendly places (which I didn't photograph). Looks like a very neat place though read more

Best nature trail I've been on in Kansas. Easy to make a wrong turn on the longer trail that will lead you way off path. If you get lost, and are zig zagging through fences, either turn around or go ahead and go through one of the buffalo gates as this leads back to the parking lot eventually. read more

Follow the marked trail and you'll never get lost. Don't EVER go through fences or bison gates. There are trail maps at the kiosk at the trail head as well as signs all along the way. read more