Great trail around the lake. Half is paved and the other half is chipped but very walkable terrain…read more In between, you cross the dam, which has a very 'sculptural' design. We stopped at a group of people watching a beaver resting on the spillway. A couple of nice picnic pavilions and (remarkably) clean restrooms have shaded playgrounds for kids. The real treat is a professional-grade Disc Golf course. For the less adventurous or for practice is a second, small course. All in all, a gem of a Lenexa park!

Yesterday I brought my grandkids here to try out this park. We were unable to try out all of it,…read morebut the areas that we did investigate we really enjoyed. I appreciate it that the play areas we went to had partial shade from the alcove of trees. There was a variety of play sets spread out with natural features of tree stumps and such for the kids to climb on. They had a lot of nice walking plaques to explain the walking trail. The golfing disc course was nice because a lot ofit was shaded. We will definitely go back to check out more of it when it is less hot.

There are a lot of reasons to adore this park, but for me, it's access to what I think are the best…read morehiking trails in eastern Kansas, and use them I do, frequently. Yesterday it was the entire length of the White Trail, 12 miles of rolling soft path dirt and rock among the trees, coves and inlets on the Northwest side of the lake. The Blue trail is another favorite, 8 miles of mostly flat trail that hugs the lakefront making for lots of good shade and scenery usually running a few yards below the more snaking White trail. There's a third shorter trail I've not set foot on but only because it's shorter than I wish. Unlike the Eastern back side of the lake at Woodridge Park which is one of the nicest 4.5 hikes to be found anywhere, the North Shore trails can be safely hiked during tick season in shorts but I'd still recommend you take precaution and check yourself frequently in the spring and summer. The trail is wide enough and well maintained so no grass to walk through. Just don't get off the trail because they're definitely lurking, this from experience. The two main trails are accessed from Overlook Park on the Northeast side, just minutes from west Lawrence. Very well travelled, very well maintained. Lots of shade. Both the White and Blue have multiple access points to the lake and camping areas and access roads so if you had to bail, there are plenty of places. However, private enough you can almost imagine you're miles from everything, but you aren't. Lots of wildlife. Expect to see deer (see my photo from yesterday). No access for drinking water so as with any hike, bring your own and bring plenty. And don't attempt the entire White trail unless you're in very good shape and know what you're doing because it'll kick your rear end otherwise. For those hiking round trip of one-way, there's a convenient parking area at the east end of both the Blue and White trails. Expect to see plenty of runners and hikers on weekends. IMPORTANT NOTE: the east trailheads for the Blue and White trails can be accessed for free and have a nice parking lot with picnic tables, etc. If you're having someone drop you off on the far west end to hike back east you'll need to pay a park access fee. I have someone drop me off that has a season pass but I believe it's a daily $7.00 fee to access the west end.

All you can ask for in a scenic, public park! Bring your fishing rod.read more

Did a private event for my sons birthday and could not be more impressed!! Genuinely helpful and…read morepassionate about what they do. Every single person in my group wants to do another adventure with them. Ladies THANK YOU SO MUCH for the amazing and memorable time!!

From the owner: - Guided Kayaking - Guided Hiking…read more- Outdoor Retail - Gear Fitting - Equipment Rental - Adventure Planning - Instructional Outdoor Classes -Yoga Classes - Social Events - Private Events

Gorgeous Park, especially in the spring. Perfect for walking, running, hiking, biking with or…read morewithout your dogs or children. Both paved and nature trails for all levels of activities. Pretty quiet and not ever super crowded. Love this park!

Disclaimer: Rating for trails/observation tower *only*…read more A good walk or hike in some wide open green spaces will do wonders for the soul. Sure, Kansas can be limited in some of its landscape offerings, but if you don't take advantage of what's right in front of you, then you might miss the beauty that is many of our area lakes & parks. Kill Creek Park is just that beauty. There are trails of various difficulty, but none that are so strenuous that you could not do them with more than moderate effort. You can hike around a forest, around a lake, or you could just hike out in the prairie. There are multiple trails, all of which are well-marked, and they blend together at certain spots. Mountain/trail bikers might share the space at times but I have always had pleasant sharers of the paths. The trails are well-maintained with openings here & there for power to run through and the overall elevation changes are minimal. We've done the 'Outer Hank' several times and the circuit takes less than two hours. Wear your hiking shoes as some of the trails can have tricky steps and keep your eyes open to see nature in front of you. The observation tower is 3+ levels offering different views, all of which open in any direction. There is even an elevator to the top that is in service for most of the year. I suggest an evening view to the west for an optimal Kansas sunset, many of which can't be replicated. If you want mountains or beach, then you won't find it here. But if you want the peaceful, pastoral open skies of the West, then Kill Creek offers you just a taste of nature can do.

First weekend out camping and kayaking. Great camping site and beautiful lake. Restroom facilities…read moredid their job but could be a little cleaner. Hot weekend but good breezes. Water was a tad choppy but enjoyed the kayaking.

Perry state park is about 20 miles northeast of Topeka Kansas and is one of the better Kansas state…read moreparks that I have been to. A beach, campgrounds, and a boating/ fishing area is available to the public as well as an extensive hiking area. I partook in the hiking area, and it was well worth it. This is a real hiking area, no paved trails or off looks, just rocky crags, and a challenge. There are about eight trails that weave extensively through several different terrains including wooded areas, lake sides, prairie grass, and steep climbs. The trails were not well marked and one could easily get lost, as I said before the trails often weaved into each other and it was hard to tell which trail you were on at times. Even the provided maps were not that helpful because there was no legend to tell you how long the trails are. These trails are not really meant for the leisurely hiking/ bicycling type, and as a word of warning make sure you bring bug repellent, after the trek my partner and I found several ticks and other bugs crawling all over us.

Managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, this area is a gem for hiking. It is also a campground…read morewhere horse and mule are allowed. All the trails are multi-use for hiking and horse. The area is on a dominant spur or finger of land jutting north into Clinton Lake. Several small creeks cut through the land and feed into the lake. The forest and lake views are awesome. There are several old wells and fences that you may find as you explore the area. It is an area best experienced from October through March.

this campground is mainly catered to equestrians, lots of stalls and trails for those with horses!…read morewe came on a friday evening (oct 11) and there were probably only 8 other campers here. self pay $12 a night, newer looking playground for those with small kids, restrooms centralized with running toilets, outlets and even a shower inside. regular campers can only park at sites 6-21. no pull thrus but plenty of space to reverse in for those with big rigs. very peaceful and quiet, highly recommend this gem!

Clinton State Park is formidable. It's like Thanos, if Thanos was water and dirt. It's massive,…read morefilled with trees, and it is murky. The only time I've ever been stopped by water patrol while in my tiny boat has been on this lake. I saw him dartin' straight for me amongst a hoard of rich people in their fancy little shiny boats. Men drunk as the cow on Tuesday blaring there speaker systems that cost more than my boat, and this joker brought his $80,000 police boat right to my little inflatable tube. He checked me over, they were nice enough. I guess people do die on this lake if you're not responsibly careful enough. It's not a place to play around if you're not prepared for the worst. There are so many great secluded shelters strewn about this place, and the Clinton Park of it does require a $5 per day access fee I believe go check local updates. Per car mind you; and less in fact you paid for the state stamp with your yearly registration on your vehicle which I do. It's a good deal for $15 a year. The fishing however if you're a true fisherman is spectacular. Clinton has some of the best fishing in the country. It's not for the faint of heart however, and the surface is vast. I once drove across this lake on a boat going about 4 mph for half a day and didn't make it halfway across it. They have great sections where the bass fishing is amazing during certain periods of the year. It's a great place, and if you don't want to get out on the water you can go to the spillway which a lot of people do for fishing. Be safe.

Clinton Lake is a fantastic visit for those wanting to learn more about our state parks. What I…read morereally enjoyed about Clinton lake were the friendly people, the affordable stay, and the great clean environment. We took our vacation here and stared up at the sky with a telescope, went fishing, enjoyed the trails. All of these are available and easy to access. We went in an RV (a 24') and had an easy time getting service and having fun. Bathrooms are clean, showers are well maintained and have incredible, and I mean absolutely incredible water pressure. There are a few pieces of advice I would give before you attend. The trails are fantastic, but if you plan on going now you had better plan on taking with you PLENTY and I mean PLENTY of bug repellent. The trails are full of ticks and chiggers, and you will find your ankles and body well covered if you have not taken the right precautions. Don't walk trails where you aren't covered, and don't do things that will put you at risk.

This was a really pretty area just outside of Lawrence. There is a small discovery center along…read morewith boardwalks. We saw a variety of birds and butterflies and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The weather was cooler that day, and I would say that made it more enjoyable. I wouldn't want to go there on a super hot day.

Just south of Lawrence abutting the new bypass is 927 acres of outdoors like little else in Kansas…read more The Baker Wetlands may be one of the best kept secrets in Douglas County and the surrounding Lawrence area because its become a mecca of wildlife preservation that doubles nicely as an area rich with hiking, biking, running, or information at the visitor center, or the picnic tables, surely a sight from which to dine outdoors. Known properly as The Baker University Wetlands Research and Natural Area, it abuts the south side of the city in the Wakarusa River floodplain. The area contains 45 acres of native wetland prairie and acres of restored meadows, marshes, open water, shrubby and secondary growth and mature riparian woodlands. Why I love this area: it's outdoor Kansas as it might be unspoiled with some nice gravel paths for hiking and biking, and if you follow some of the access trails which are much rougher you can really get off the grid and deep into park and all its beauty. I counted three massive beaver dams along one creek on an extended walk today. There are literally hundreds of small birdhouses placed all over the park and one walk through will confirm that it's a haven for critters of all kinds. Most folks in town will know it from the view on the south side of the bypass where a mile long paved bike path runs next to the highway behind a sound barrier. And that's a beautiful view, but getting down into the middle of it is terrific. Access from the East where there's a parking area, the far Southwest (gravel lot), or the visitor center on the far West side (paved). This has become my go-to spot for long hikes and I've yet to not see a few others enjoying the same. Well worth the visit. Bring the kids. It's the anti-movie/mall/theme park experience which a little education and a lot of peace and quiet to boot. Pack a sack lunch and stop in one of the covered picnic areas out in the middle. It's a great place to have a gathering, or catch one of the quiet houses where you can enter and look out over a lake so the animals can't see you (mostly on the West side). No admission for anything that I'm aware of. Get there. If you're the outdoors type even only occasionally, this place is a breath of fresh air, literally, in more ways than one. From their web site: 487 Unique Plant Species 376 Vertebrate Species 75% of electricity is produced by a 10 KWH solar array.