To the South in Iola, the Southwind trail hooks to the Prairie Spirit and travels from Iola to Humboldt in Allen County. It is a greenway and travel corridor open to pedestrians and bicyclists that traverses diverse ecosystems including tallgrass prairie, riparian areas, agricultural lands, and communities. In KDWPT facilities where foot traffic is allowed, please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Combined, the trails pass through 10 charming rural communities. If you are looking for a challenge, this would be one to put on your list. The trail runs north/south between Ottawa and Iola, connecting to the Flint Hills Nature Trail in the north, and the Southwind Rail Trail in the south. This trail, which upon completion will be the longest in Kansas, connects to the Prairie Spirit in Ottawa. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail State Park (PST) in Kansas is a treasure. To the North the Prairie Spirit connects with the Flint Hills Trail State Park in Ottawa. Each guide gives visitors three things that they may be able to see on the trail. The trail is paved within Ottawa, Garnett, and Iola, with rural sections having a hard-packed limestone surface. The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is a 52-mile biking and hiking rail-trail between Iola and Ottawa in Eastern Kansas. New signs, trails, primitive camping, a bicycle repair station, a farmer's market, and trail access have been placed in these destinations. ), and running beside streams, rivers, neatly-tended fields and family farms. They were placed for the trail as an Eagle Scout project by Nathan Wiltsey. Wildlife, wildflowers, and diverse habitats and communities await your viewing pleasure out on the Prairie Spirit Trail. You can discuss the Prairie Spirit Trail with other riders in our Discussion Forum, view photos taken along the trail by other users, and check out the best times for segments of the trail. Rhythm and Ride is a weekend-long celebration of bicycles, music, trails, and outdoor Kansas. Oh, and of course – cycling! We also carry Surly branded parts and accessories. This review is for the section of the trail from Ottawa to Princeton, a distance of about nine miles. Allen County also has the Missouri Pacific Recreational Trail, Centennial Trail and the Lehigh Portland Trail. Combined, the trails pass through 10 charming rural communities. It includes the following events: 100 Mile, 100K, 50 Mile, and 50K. The Prairie Spirit Trail 100 Mile, 100K, 50 Mile, and 50K is on Saturday March 28, 2020 to Sunday March 29, 2020. Ottawa Depot restroom will be open when depot is open to the public. The trail is well-suited for walkers, cyclists, runners and birdwatchers, and navigates through nine towns. ), and running beside streams, rivers, neatly-tended fields and family farms. The Prairie Spirit Trail remains the only rail-trail in the Kansas State Park system. A 51 mile linear park built upon a rail-banked rail corridor. Come out to the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park to celebrate the New Year January 1st, 2021! It connects Iola in the south to Ottawa in the north, over a distance of about 52 miles. The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is a 52-mile biking and hiking trail built on a former railroad right-of-way. The Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas is a 52-mile-long path through small towns, shaded woodland canopy, and scenic prairies alive with wildflowers (and wildlife! Trail map of the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park from Tecumseh St. west of N. Main St. (Ottawa) to Southwind Rail Trail at W. Bruner St. west of S. State St. (Iola). If you haven't seen the new work that the three large communities (Ottawa, Garnett, Iola) along the Prairie Spirit Trail have put into their systems, I urge you to investigate. ), and running beside streams, rivers, neatly-tended fields and family farms. http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm, Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person, Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236384412434/?ref=direct. The trail is a linear park passing through three counties with eight pocket-parks along the way. The Prairie Spirit Trail The Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas is a 52-mile-long path through small towns, shaded woodland canopy, and scenic prairies alive with wildflowers (and wildlife! You’ll enjoy two days of bicycle tours on the trails … find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com The rail line was constructed in the 1860's and ran until the 1970's. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a Kansas State Park built on the former right-of-way of the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Railroad, which was the first north-south rail line in Kansas. The trail is built upon a railroad Right-of Way which was the first north -south rail line in Kansas. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a Kansas State Park built on a former railroad right-of-way. Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is a linear park that starts in Ottawa and runs south to Iola covering a distance of 51 miles. 3 W095 16 12.0. 2 mile) northbound out-and-back, then travel south to … Prairie Spirit Trail – South End – Welda Rest Area, Prairie Spirit Trail – North End – Ottawa Depot, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P), Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Construction began in 1992, and the first section, 17 miles from Richmond to Welda, opened in 1996. source: Bike Prairie Spirit Bike Prairie Spirit. There are currently no restrooms or water fountains next to the Flint Hills Trail and some of it is still under construction so plan accordingly. Starting at Celebration Hall in Ottawa, runners will do a short (appox. In Iola, the trail connects to the Southwind Rail Trail and the Lehigh Portland Trails. The Flint Hills Trail travels from Osawatomie to Herrington. Some of the most beautiful landscapes, bridges, and wildlife can be seen from these trail systems. If you’ve been looking for a long trail for a bike adventure, we’ve got the perfect place for you. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a beautiful "rails-to-trails" course that runs through numerous quaint little towns. Thank you. Limited parking. Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is a rail trail that is a Kansas State Park. The 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail is a rail to trail multi-use trail that passes through rural Kansas communities. Our inventory varies based on availability but if … There are three other trail heads in between these two cities. Ottawa Bike and Trail is a proud Intergalactic Surly Dealer. In Ottawa, the trail connects to the Flint Hills Nature Trail. Ride the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail State Parks. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Prairie Spirit Trail Birthday Bash March 13 in Garnett, ABC Trails Plan Could Boost Prairie Spirit Trail Connections, KDWPT Eliminates Prairie Spirit Trail Usage Fees, KDWPT Considers Eliminating Prairie Spirit Trail Use Fee, Ottawa Announces New Trail-Oriented Development. Check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/236384412434/?ref=direct. Garnett Area Chamber Of Commerce - (785) 448-6767. Props to Thrive Allen County for driving a grassroots effort to promote healthy living and a vibrant trails community in Allen County. Ottawa Bike and Trail is located at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail State Park and the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park.. If you enjoy small towns and rural scenery, you'll enjoy hiking or biking the Prairie Spirit Trail. This is an open site for public discussion which can include updates on trail conditions and other interesting sites on the trails from visitors. Your safety is our priority. Trail Activities: Grades are moderate and follo the original rail grades. There are lot of great ways to enjoy the Prairie Spirit and Southwind Rail Trail, but what better way than with camping, live music, food vendors, and a beer garden? 100 Mile | 100K | 50 Mile | 50K NRT designation promotes some of our country's highest-caliber trails with the intention of providing recreation access to rural and urban communities, economic development through tourism, and healthy recreation opportunities. The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is a 52-mile biking and hiking trail built on a former railroad right-of-way. Remember the Prairie Spirit Trail hooks into two other trails which will lead you into yet more trails and communities. Runners will do an out-and-back, beginning in Ottawa, KS and traveling south to Iola (100 milers), Garnett (50 milers) or Richmond (50K), then, back north to the finish. The Prairie Spirit Trail was constructed in stages, beginning with 17 miles from Richmond to Welda in 1996, Ottawa to Richmond in 1998, and Welda to Iola in 2008. Prairie Spirit Trail - Welda Trailhead Hotels Flights to Kansas Things to do in Kansas Car Rentals in Prairie Spirit Trail - Welda Trailhead Kansas Vacations Kansas may have travel restrictions in place, including self-quarantine, due to COVID-19. Discover the Prairie Spirit Trail in United States of America. Prairie Spirit Trail restroom closings and water shut off: See also: Bike Prairie Spirit http://www.bikeprairiespirit.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/236384412434/?ref=direct. The Prairie Spirit Trail offers a peaceful and calm tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Description The Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas is a 52-mile-long path through small towns, shaded woodland canopy, and scenic prairies alive with wildflowers (and wildlife! It's mostly level and dries fairly quickly after rain. The trail and the towns along the way offer a myriad of activities to keep everyone happy. These are the largest rail-trails in Kansas, providing over 150 miles of trail through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes of Kansas. Here’s where you’ll find what you need for your journey on the Prairie Spirit Trail! Prairie Spirit Trail is ready when you are! This trail is fully complete and well maintained. 24 hour cancellation policy Discounts Over 4000 other races. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm. Uploaded: 9/12/2011. Along rural portions, the trail is a hard packed limestone screening surface. The Prairie Spirit Trail connects with the 9-mile long Southwind Rail Trail between Humboldt and Iola. Among the many trails that have followed in the Prairie Spirit's wake, perhaps the best-known is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a 117-mile-long rail-trail that follows an east-west course between Osawatomie and Herington. https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-COVID-19-Updates. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail offers 51 miles of Kansas scenery for the long distance cyclist. The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail is a 51 mile former railroad line that has been converted for use as a multi-purpose improved trail. The trail starts at Santa Fe Train Depot museum Due to COVID safety concerns, this year we will not be having a group hike starting at the Old Train Depot in Ottowa, KS. The site provide cyclists with up-to-date information needed for traveling this popular eastern Kansas Rail Trail. The northern 16-mile section, from Ottawa to Richmond, opened in 1998. Many distances are offered. The trail is asphalted through Garnett and Ottawa. Learn more On your journey be sure to stop at the rest benches along the trail and take a look at the trail information guides. The event will center around Legacy Square, Ottawa’s new event space at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail State Parks. The Prairie Spirit Trail is the first completed rail-trail of a network of trails that will interconnect in the eastern Kansas Area. Travel The Prairie Spirit Trail, A Rural Kansas Town Adventure That Is Built For Mountain Biking. It follows the old LL&G (Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad) line from Ottawa in the north to Iola in the south, a distance of about 51 miles. The trail is a linear park passing through three counties with eight pocket-parks along the way. The Prairie Spirit Trail was the first major rail-trail conversion in Kansas. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail. The trail is built on the former right of way of the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad from Ottawa, Kansas, to Iola, Kansas. Timer Guys offers Ultra Marathon races on the trail in the Spring and Fall. The grades are moderate, providing easy travel for hikers and cyclists alike. Built in the 1860’s, it was the first north-south rail line in Kansas. The Prairie Spirit Trail connects with the 9-mile long Southwind Rail Trail between Humboldt and Iola. It follows the original rail bed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad. Walking, Mt. Built on the railbed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad, the … The Trail has 1.3 miles of asphalt as it starts to the North. For further information, email info@timerguys.com. Garnett Depot restroom will remain open through the winter. This web site is a resource for bike riders of Kansas's Prairie Spirit Trail. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a beautiful "rails-to-trails" course that runs through numerous quaint little towns. And the third 18-mile section in the south, from Welda to Iola, opened in 2008. Runners will do an out-and-back, beginning in Ottawa, KS and traveling south to Iola (100 milers), Welda (100Kers), Garnett (50 milers) or Richmond (50K), then, back north to the finish. It directly connects to the Flint Hills Nature Trail at Ottawa. Length 52.3 miElevation gain 931 ftRoute type Point to point Biking, Location of Start: N38 10 10.7 W095 17 42.6, Location of Start: N38 37 13. Built on the railbed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad, the trail offers easy grades for hikers and bikers alike. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Runners will do an out-and-back, beginning in Ottawa, KS and traveling south to Iola (100 milers), Garnett (50 milers) or Richmond (50K), then, back north to the finish. The city of Garnett is the midway point, and the park office is located at the Garnett Area Chamber of Commerce building. The Prairie Spirit Trail offers a peaceful and calm tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. The trail averages a minimum of 8 feet wide. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a beautiful "rails-to-trails" course that runs through numerous quaint little towns. The rail line was constructed in the1860's. The Prairie Spirit Trail is likely the best-known and most popular long-distance rail-trail in Kansas. Some of the most positive and determined people I have ever met have participated in these runs. Beginning from north at Ottawa, Kansas., or from the south at Iola, Kansas. Near Iola, Kansas. Bike Prairie Spirit helps bicyclists explore this popular trail, providing a comprehensive informational resource, including Guides to all the communities along the trail, as well as Trail Maps, Elevation Charts, Mileage Charts, and a Services and Support Directory that will help you find food, drink, and points of interest along the trail. This linear park is located along a former rail bed between Iola and Ottawa, a distance of 51 miles. This means that we carry a wide range or Surly models on the floor for you to look at, touch, feel, and test ride. 495 likes. The Prairie Spirit Trail is a rail-trail in eastern Kansas, running from Iola in the south to Ottawa in the north. It's a great day to visit a trail and it's even better now that the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park is FREE. Posts about prairie spirit trail written by kansastrailguide. This trail is open in many areas, and where open is well maintained. The trail runs 50 miles from its northern terminus at … The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. The Kansas Rails-to-Trails 100 Mile is run on the Prairie Spirit Trail and is a beautiful "rails-to-trails" course that runs through numerous quaint little towns. This rail trail runs for 51 miles from Ottawa to Iola in Eastern Kansas with a gravel chat surface. The route runs from Iola in the south to Ottawa in the north, passing through the communities of Iola, Carlyle, Colony, Welda, Garnett, Richmond, Princeton, and Ottawa. The riding/walking surface is 8 feet wide hard packed limestone screenings. 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