Prairie Spirit Rail Trail

The Prairie Spirit Trail in eastern Kansas is a 51 mile long path through small towns, scenic prairie and occasional wildlife. The trail of hard-packed limestone runs north/south between Ottawa and Iola. Iola added another mile by paving the railbed between its previous endpoint at Chofachique Park and Riverside Park in 2012. The ride was further extended south by the connection of the Southwind Rail Trail in 2013. Built by a combination of private foundations, donations and volunteer hours under the auspices of Thrive Allen County, the trail is not part of the state park and is free to all users. The Southwind Rail Trail runs between Iola's Riverside Park and Humboldt, adding 6.5 miles for a grand total of about 58.6 miles. Travelers are protected under a shade-providing canopy of trees for most of its length. Built on the railbed of the old Leavenworth, Lawrence and Fort Gibson Railroad, the trail offers easy grades for hikers and bikers alike.