This trail is fantastic. Free of cars, enshrouded in nature and especially beautiful in the warmer…read moremonths, this is one of my happy places around the metro.
I've taken my family there just to walk/hike around the paved trails which are seemingly endless with a dog and toddler. When I go on my own or with friends to bike, you'll find the end a lot faster, but it's still 17 miles or so of wonderful trail along the creek.
On countless trips here, we've seen deer, heard coyotes, saw a sneaky copperhead snake, a beaver scurrying back to the water, owls and hawks, and the most memorable, an open field with more fireflies flickering than I've ever seen in my life.
You'll also find big Kansas sunsets out here year round, along with more hills than one might expect.
I'll say this, if you're a cyclist, it's enjoyable to fly around here but be aware this is primarily a walking/jogging path for everyone else so throw a little bell on, slow down a bit when approaching people and or call out as you come around. Most do, but some don't and it's kind of jarring especially when we're out with our almost-two-year-old toddling around. (Side note, I got a bike trailer for my daughter and this is the perfect, safe place to try it out.)
In warmer months you'll find enough water and bathroom stations around, but as expected it can be difficult to find on those winter warm up days.
Shoutout to the Parks & Rec team of years past, along with Gary Haller who shares the name of this popular trail for his dedication to making it a reality. I feel like nature is often forgotten and overlooked in our world, but a simple, beautiful trail like this has people eager to be out exploring their peaceful surroundings.