Prairie Spirit Rail-Trail

Map of the Trail

TRAIL HOURS

PERMITS

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

BACK TO NATURE

Visitors Since January 1, 2001

The "Friends of the Prairie Spirit" welcome you to the first major rail-trail development in the state of Kansas. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail offers biking and hiking enthusiasts, runners, bird watchers and nature lovers a new Kansas outdoor adventure. From Ottawa to Welda, the Prairie Spirit Trail is currently more than 33 miles. Kansas' first rail-trail meanders through golden prairies, quiet woodlands, beautiful lakeside scenery, and travels through charmingly inviting communities. Upon completion the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail will span from Ottawa to Iola and total more than 50 miles. The trail is operated under the management of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

The trail outside the communities of Garnett and Ottawa is of a hard packed surface created by mixing calcium chloride with limestone screenings. It is 12 feet wide, varying in some areas. Inside the city limits of Garnett and Ottawa the surface is asphalt and is adorned with native landscaping and ornamental lighting.

Built upon a railway bed, the trail grades are very moderate and most stretches are level making this trail ideal for maintaining steady speeds on long rides. The trail passes over several bridges overlooking ponds, creeks, and the Marais Des Cygnes River. Trailheads providing amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas are located in each community along the trail, while rest areas with bench seating are strategically placed along the trail.

This web site was created to help inform and educate our visitors about the trail and the communities along the trail. For more information don't hesitate to E-mail us or contact one of our community representatives. We hope you have a great time browsing through our site and don't forget to come visit us on the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail.