Riding, Biking and Hiking Trails


Tucked into hidden corners of Miami county, more than 50 miles of trails allow adventurers to explore scenic sections of the county. 

These routes have become easier to locate thanks to a free app, Regional Kansas City Bike Map, which is available at marc.org/bikemap. It can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer browser. The interactive map will coordinate with a device’s GPS signal to track progress along a mapped route.

The application, which shows bikeway and trail information for the eight-county Kansas City region, has been made available through a joint venture with the Mid-America Regional Council. It should be used safely, not while riding or driving.

For a link to trails in Miami County, you can access the MARC information here.

Hillsdale Lake

Hillsdale Lake State Park’s Saddle Ridge is popular among horseback riders, not just for its 48 miles of marked trails, but also for the connected campground that provides pens so riders and their horse can comfortably stay the night. Saddle Ridge is additionally open to hikers and cyclists as are the 1.5-mile Hidden Spring Nature Trail and 3-mile State Park Trail.


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Flint Hills Trail State Park 

Upon first arriving to Kansas, settlers were often struck by the beauty of the tallgrass prairie. The grass rippled with the wind and seemed to go on forever, leading them to compare it to the sea. With time and development, that piece of Kansas heritage has shrunk down to a fraction of what it once was. Flint Hills Trail State Park was first created to help reverse that trend. During the last 24 years, the Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy has continued to add land to the Flint Hills Trail in an effort to protect tallgrass ecosystems. Currently the trail stretches across 118 miles, starting in Osawatomie and ending in Council Grove. Visitors can hike, bike or horseride their way across Eastern and Central Kansas. The trail runs along the Marais des Cygnes River providing views of rushing water, bluffs, farmland and woodland. It follows the general route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and is part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. 


Community Trails

 
Paola Pathways was created so runners, walkers and cyclists can exercise in a safe and scenic environment. Since 2015, the city has developed 10-miles of trails that wind through Wallace Park and Lake Miola. Each parkways location has a variety of trails for different skill levels with distinctive topographies and trail surfaces.

Lewis Young Park in Louisburg contains a 3-mile primitive trail system that leads hikers and mountain bikers deep within a wooded area. A newly paved 1.5 mile trail loops the concession stand, disc golf course, soccer and baseball fields to the parking areas. For those looking for looking to go a more leisurely pace, Louisburg City Lake is surrounded by a paved, 1.25 mile walkway connecting nearby neighborhoods.

Trail Etiquette

All of the trails in Miami County attract more than one type of user. Please be aware that other trail users will likely be travelling at a different pace. It is important to take note of the weather and make plans to stay safe. Binoculars, drinking water and a cell phone may all be items to take on the trail. 

It is important to leave the trail in as good of condition as it was found. 

Modes of Travel

For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Miami County offers many trails for walking and hiking. The Flint Hills Trail State Park begins at Mile Zero in Osawatomie and spans 117 miles, offering plenty of opportunities for walkers to experience the beauty of Kansas. This trail provides options for both short hikes and longer journeys. In Paola, Wallace Park features three easy hiking trails: Park View Trail (1 mile), Rock Stadium Trail (1.1 miles), and Bull Creek Trail (0.9 miles). These short, easy trails are great for quick walks through the park, taking less than 20 minutes each to complete. For those looking for a little more of a challenge, Lake Miola’s 6.5-mile loop trail is a great option. This trail takes about two hours to complete and features beautiful lake views along the way. Hillsdale State Park is also home to several hiking options, including the State Park Trail, a 3-mile loop with moderate terrain. The Bluebird Trail is an easier hike with a 7.7-mile out-and-back route. The Saddle Ridge trails within Hillsdale State Park combine in a 49-mile network.  They are great for those looking for a longer adventure. Close by, the Corps of Engineers' Hidden Spring Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that offers beautiful scenery. Additionally, hiking the gravel service road southwest across the dam connects this trail to the Bluebird Trail in Hillsdale State Park. 

Cyclists will also find Miami County a great destination, with many shared use trails that allow biking and e-bike use. The Flint Hills Trail, beginning in Osawatomie, is perfect for cyclists looking for a lengthier ride. For those seeking shorter rides, Paola’s Wallace Park is a great option. Home to a trio of trails, this destination is perfect for leisurely biking. Lake Miola’s trail offers lakeside views and a more challenging ride, making it another ideal spot for bikers. At Hillsdale State Park, cyclists can enjoy the State Park Trail or the Blue Bird Trail. Nearby, the Hidden Spring Trail offers a quick but scenic ride. In Spring Hill, visitors can bike along the walking path at Blackhawk Park, though it’s important to note that e-bikes are not permitted here. The Spring Hill City Lake Trail also provides a paved path around the lake, though it is also limited to traditional bikes only. Louisburg offers a few options with its City Lake Trail and paved paths at Lewis-Young Park, where e-bikes are welcome. In addition to the paved paths, the park also offers natural trails designed for mountain biking, however, hikers are still welcome. 

For those exploring on horseback, Miami County has a few trails that specifically cater to equestrian fans. The expansive Flint Hills Trail is a great option, offering a unique experience as riders travel through multiple counties and enjoy the changing landscapes of Kansas. Designed primarily for horseback riders, Hillsdale State Park’s Saddle Ridge Trails feature four interconnected loops and provide a variety of paths to explore. With a combined 49 miles of trails, riders can enjoy everything from leisurely rides to more challenging routes, all starting from the Saddle Ridge Horse Camp. While there are fewer horse-friendly options available, each of them offer the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Miami County.