There are many hiking trails in Kansas that are beautiful and even some that are stunning. However, not many of them have features that set them apart from the others. This particular Kansas hike is both beautiful and historic and fun for the whole family. Who doesn’t love exploring somewhere new and intriguing?
Welcome to the absolutely stunning view that is Kanopolis State Park and Horse Thief Trail. It’s a fitting name for a place that fits Kansas down to its roots. You’ll find plenty of open skies, rolling hills, wildflowers, and rock.
Shannon & Mariel Lynch/AllTrails
Kanopolis State Park sits in the Smoky Hills region, with 3,500 acres of lake and 12,500 acres of wildlife area. It’s a great place for hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. Just look at the natural beauty of this place!
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
The trail itself is only 1.9 miles all the way around, and it loops back to where you started so you don’t have to double the length. It’s one of many trails in the park, so don’t be afraid to explore if this trail is a little shorter than you’re used to.
Nick Varvel/Flickr
What you’ll find at this park is red-orange rock on the paths, sticking out of hills, and littered around the ground. It’s one of the best features of this park, which is always colorful even after all the green plants turn to brown.
Anita Stuckenschmidt/AllTrails
Carvings are something you’ll find on all of the soft rock around the park, left here by anyone and everyone over the years. I often wonder how old some of the carvings are, or if the old ones have already been washed away by time.
Cindy Stavropoulos/AllTrails
This beautiful cave is a great place to take a rest for a while. Trace your fingers over the letters or just feel the smooth reddish stone around you.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Inside the cave, you’ll find more smooth surfaces worn away by water, and the easiest way out of here is to slide down the natural surfaces where the water would drain out of the cave naturally. Watch out for bugs!
Cindy Stavropoulos/AllTrails
Looking out over all the trail you’ve conquered is an amazing feeling. Plus, it’s more comfortable than you think to sit up in this cave, and it’s my favorite place to stop on this trail.
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Also in the area are the Faris Caves and Mushroom Rock, if you’d like to turn it into a whole day of adventure.
Lonnie Edgecomb/AllTrails
You’ll find Kanopolis State Park and Horse Thief trail at 200 Horsethief Rd., Marquette, KS. Feel free to use the map below to help you navigate around the area.
Shannon & Mariel Lynch/AllTrails
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
Nick Varvel/Flickr
Anita Stuckenschmidt/AllTrails
Cindy Stavropoulos/AllTrails
Lonnie Edgecomb/AllTrails
If you love our nature as much as we do, you’ll enjoy this small town that’s positively surrounded by it. Check it out sometime!
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