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A very popular and well maintained South Overland Park trail.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.3

KM

98%

Runnable

990' 302 m

High

907' 276 m

Low

168' 51 m

Up

168' 51 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Good - very well maintained, good for families and dogs on leashes.

The Bad - popular destination so avoid weekends if you like the solitude of a solo run.

The Ugly - OK, nothing on this trail is ugly; as a matter of fact the area from the parking lot to the Sculpture Loop is nicely landscaped with flowers and any trail you choose will be a fantastic walk in the flora and fauna of eastern Kansas.

Runner Notes

The majority of this trail has wood mulch covering the paths which is kept in very good condition. No exposed roots or rocks. It's a wide trail and very popular on nice weekends.

Description

This is one of Overland Park's premier parks and trail system, on just over 300 acres located on 179th St. approximately 1 mile west of Hwy.69. There is a $3 entrance fee. Just inside the park is a visitor center with displays and information about the trails, sculptures and plants. Clean indoor toilets and drinking water is available for water bottles.

The walks immediately west and south of the visitor center are paved and designed to be handicapped accessible. There are eight distinct garden areas on the westward leg of this paved route, each with unique settings and plant types. A 3/8 mile asphalt loop south of the visitor center winds through the trees allowing access to the sculpture garden with 30 unique sculptures to enjoy.

Access the Cottonwood Trail from this asphalt loop, about midway around on the southern side. The trails from this point on are all wood mulch covered and are wide. After crossing Wolf Creek the trail splits. To the right is Bluff Loop. To the left is Rocky Ridge Trail. They meet on the far west end of the Park so they form a complete loop. Taking either one will get you back to the split at the bridge over Wolf Creek. Water coolers are stationed along the trail in a few places.

Runners and walkers only on these trails, with no bikes or equestrians allowed.

Flora & Fauna

Expect a variety of native birds and mammals, with a few small snakes scurrying to avoid you in the wooded areas. Butterflies in the spring are plentiful as are attractive wildflowers along the route.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kim Pearse

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 7 votes

#3318

Overall
  4.1 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Kansas

#3,318

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,696 Since May 3, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

29%
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Photos

First part of the trail is paved - with great statues to enjoy
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS
Selfie Statue
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS
This part of the trail parallels Wolf Creek
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS
Rock Bluff Outcropping
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS
Water Station - #3
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS
Bridge over the creek
May 3, 2015 near Spring…, KS

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