June 5, 2014

Kansas boasts hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy

TOPEKA ­– American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country on Saturday, June 7, 2014, for the 22nd annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more.

Kansas has a variety of trail experiences to choose from, including two of the states longer trails, Prairie Spirit Trail State Park (51 miles) and the Flint Hills Nature Trail (117 miles). State and local parks across Kansas offer a smorgasbord of opportunities for hikes that can take from 15 minutes to a full day or more to experience. Many Kansas trails also feature accessibility for those with disabilities. Trail blazers have their choice of paths coursing through prairies, woodlands, parks, cities, canyons or even along stream banks and lake shores.   

While hiking, biking, running and wildlife-watching are popular trail activities, the state also has a number of horseback riding trails, wildflower trails and even water trails. At 173 miles long, the Kansas River National Water Trail is the state’s longest water trail, and is a popular destination for paddlers.   

To find trails in Kansas and help us celebrate National Trails Day, visit TravelKS.com and enter “Trail” in the search box. Or, visit the Kansas Trails Council at www.kansastrailscouncil.org or the Kanza Rail-Trail Conservancy at kanzatrails.org for more information.

Information about state park trails can be found at KSOutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.

Since 1993, National Trails Day® has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well-being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. 

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.  To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.

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