Fall is a great time of year to go hiking. The weather is cool, there aren’t as many bugs as in the summer, and there is beautiful foliage to look at. The Salina, Kansas, area has many places to hike with trails for all experience levels. Here are some of the best places for a fall hike in Salina.
Salina Levee Trail
The Salina Levee Trail is a 4.8-mile trail that makes its way along the flood control levee on the west bank of the Smoky Hill River. You can park at the Bill Burke Sports Complex or Oxbow Park on McAdams Road. There is also access to the trail from the Salina Soccer Complex on East Magnolia Road.
This trail provides views of the river, and it connects to several local parks along the way. You can also view part of downtown Salina. If you want to shorten your hike and just walk a portion of the trail, start at Bill Burke and hike to Magnolia for 2.25 miles. Alternatively, you can start at East Magnolia Road and head over to East Schilling Road for a quick 1-mile hike.
Marquette Pioneer Trail
Marquette, Kansas, is not far from Salina and is home to the Marquette Pioneer Trail. This trail features asphalt millings and runs along an old railroad corridor for 2.8 miles. It also connects to the Wolverine Loop nature trail which loops around a local sports complex, which you can take if you want to expand your hike. To get started, park at the sports complex on Harold Street. This is an easy hike or walk with mostly flat surfaces and crushed stone, making it accessible for almost any fitness level.
Lakewood Park Trails
The Lakewood Park trails offer a variety of hiking experiences. The trails work their way around an old sandpit and feature woodlands, some prairies, and even water features with an ag-line surface that is solid and simple to walk on. You are sure to see several different types of animals including white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, and even some raccoons. This area has 3.5 miles of trails designed for a relaxing stroll or a more vigorous hike.
Indian Rock Park
You can also head to Indian Rock Park which is just a short distance from the Lakewood Park trails. If you park at the south end of the hill, there is a kiosk where you can get a trail map with information about the 100 different species of flowers in the park.
Hike up the hill and take the loop trail that brings you to the river overlook for some beautiful views of the Smoky Hill river gorge. The trails at Indian Rock Park are well-marked right on the ground to help guide you along, and there are restrooms at the park for your convenience.
These are a few of the best places for a fall hike in and around the Salina area. Whether you want to spend the day out on the trail or just make it a quick one, there is something for everyone.
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