One of the best ways to enjoy these early summer days is on a bicycle. Luckily, some of the most beautiful trails in the Midwest are only a day trip away. So load up the bikes and take your family on a weekend trip to the wilderness!
PRAIRIE SPIRIT RAIL-TRAIL
Ottawa to Iola, KS
51 miles (with many whistle-stops)
Garnett Chamber of Commerce, 785.448.6767
Prairie Spirit is a favorite long-distance ride for those who favor “rail trails.” Cyclists can expect to see a variety of wildlife along the trail, including white-tailed deer, great horned owls and wild turkeys. The landscape includes a variety of trees and wildflowers.
FLINT HILLS NATURE TRAIL
Osawatomie to Herington, KS
117 miles (with many stops)
Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, Inc.
P.O. Box 3863, Topeka, KS 66604
While the entire trail is open to the public, only certain sections are surfaced with limestone screenings for easy riding. The completed trail section between Osawatomie and Ottawa makes a nice ride of about 15 miles. Contact the Conservancy in Topeka or visit the trail website for updates.
CLINTON LAKE TRAILS
Clinton Lake State Park, KS
8.4 miles (Blue Trail), 12.8 miles (White Trail)
www.LawrenceMountainBikeClub.org/Trails_Clinton.shtml
For mountain bikers, the Clinton Lake Trails just outside Lawrence offer beautiful views of woods and shoreline. The Blue Trail is “considered easy to moderate difficulty,” according to the Lawrence Bike Club. The longer White Trail is billed as “moderate to challenging.”
TRAIL OF THE FOUR WINDS
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Kaiser, MO
16.5 miles
573.348.2694
www.MOStateParks.com/LakeOzark/Trails.htm
This rugged trail promises scenic views of oak-hickory forest, open grassland and of course, the lake. While the whole loop may challenge younger riders, the trail branches off at several places to allow for shorter trips. The trail includes rocky landscapes and some steep descents.
CASTLEWOOD STATE PARK
Ballwin, MO (St. Louis County)
1-3 mile loops
636.227.4433
www.MOStateParks.com/Castlewood/Trails.htm
Castlewood includes five trails of varying lengths. Bike along the Meramec River on the River Scene Trail, follow Kiefer Creek on the Grotpeter Trail, or visit blackberry patches along the Cedar Bluff Trail. Some of these involve considerable climbing, so be careful with young ones.
KATY TRAIL STATE PARK
Clinton to St. Charles, MO
225 miles total (with many shorter trails and town stops)
Department of Natural Resources, 800.334.6946
www.MOStateParks.com/KatyTrail
One of Missouri’s best-loved rail-trails, the Katy Trail winds through a variety of habitats and small towns without presenting the challenge of a rugged mountain-bike trail. Riders will see plenty of animals, particularly migratory birds.
Shawnee writer Claire M. Caterer enjoys hitting the trails in Shawnee Mission Park.