Flint Hills Nature Trail

Great trail which travels a wide variety of landscapes. West end is open grasslands, middle is croplands, east end travels through a tunnel of trees.

I absolutely love walking and riding my bike on this trail. I live about 2 minutes from a portion of it and have been on several miles of the trail. If anyone is considering checking it out, come to Ottawa and check out Not Lost Brewing, Pizza Time, Mug Shot, Corner Market, Ottawa Bike and Trail, all just a block or so from Legacy Square right in downtown Ottawa!

Fun trail that runs on top of an old rail line.

Awesome gem, go ride!

Nature at best.

September 2022 - Flint Hills Nature Trail between Osawatomie and Ottawa.

This trail review covers the 20 miles between the Mile Zero Trailhead in Osawatomie to 1st Street in Ottawa. It's comprised of a crushed stone railway bed and with gentle slopes. It loosely follows the Marais Des Cygnes River and is tree lined for the majority of the route.

Parking is available at:
1. Mile Zero Trailhead at the Karl E Cole Sports Complex in Osawatomie, KS
2. Main Street in Rantoul, KS
3. Old Depot Museum and Prairie Sprit Trail Head in Ottawa, KS
4. Limited parking at several street crossings along the route.

What to know before you go:
1. No restroom facilities and no running water.
2. No structures or substantial protection from pop up showers or thunderstorms along this route.
3. Many of the bridges along this route do not have guardrails.

What to expect:
1. Long mostly flat trail. The trail bed is generally smooth and made of crushed stone with a few spots of loose gravel.
2. Limited views. The trail is generally tree lined, there are some views of the Marais Des Cygnes River and farm fields.
3. Bring plenty of water and snacks for your trip.
4. Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate gear if showers or thunderstorms are possible
5. There is a bicycle repair station and portable restroom at the Mile Zero Trailhead in Osawatomie

You can get long distance in, but it's flat and pretty boring.

It was a long, flat, converted former railroad. I was expecting a trail head with charming trails to wander down and find pretty little spots to picnic. If you want to walk a long way in one direction on flat ground, this will work.