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. more 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.
Camping is a great time-honored tradition for the warmer months of the year. Although summer is close to its end, fall is still a perfect time for you to go camping in the right areas. The area around Salina, KS, is good for fall camping as it is not too hot or cold. The weather is fairly consistent as well which makes it possible for you to go camping well into the season. If you are looking for a place to go camping this fall, here are the three best places for fall camping in Salina, KS. more Salina KOA Campgrounds Many cities have specific areas set aside for camping. Salina is no exception and developed the KOA Campgrounds. The KOA Campgrounds have a wide range of amenities that make camping more enjoyable. The camping area where you will sleep and set-up your sleeping arrangements has electrical hookups and Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected. It is great for people who travel a lot and need to continue working, or for people who want to be more connected to nature and technology at the same time. Several activities like fishing, swimming, and biking are made easier by the centrally located water areas. There is also a bike rental place nearby if you didn't bring a bike with you. Fuel sources including propane and firewood are available for purchase by on-site vendors as well. Lakeside Recreational Park If you are traveling with a camper or RV, then finding a place to camp can be difficult. Fortunately, the Lakeside Recreational Park located at 1288 E. Lapsley Road in nearby Assaria. It provides full hookups for all of the resources that you need. The park has beach and lake access where you can go fishing or swimming. There is a range of nature trails for hiking as well. If you want to ditch your RV for the night, there are campsites available as well. Lakeside Recreational Park is limited to 25 RV sites, so you will want to get there at a reasonable time to make sure that you get a spot. Sundowner West Campground Salina Sundowner West is another great place to go camping in Salina. It provides a spacious 79 campsites for RVs and tents. It also has a wide range of amenities including swimming pool, playground, and laundry facilities. Restrooms have been built in convenient locations across the campsite. If you are concerned about the weather, there is a weather monitoring system in place. In the case of inclement and dangerous weather in the area, there is a storm shelter for your protection. It is well prepared for any possible issues that you may face. Camping in the fall can be a lot of fun for you and your family. In fact, it can be more enjoyable than summer camping. The weather is slowly changing so that it will be cooler outside, making it easier for you to enjoy nature. The best way to find out more about these campsites is to visit them. They are affordably priced and offer you a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the environment.
Central Kansas isn't the most cosmopolitan part of the United States, and it's true that Salina is a great place to find steaks, burgers, and American cuisine. However, America is a nation of immigrants and that's just as true of Salina as it is about the rest of the country. If you want to dine out at a place with an international flavor, you can stop by any of the spots below. more Martinelli's Little Italy Martinelli's Little Italy sits at the corner where Walnut Street meets South Santa Fe Avenue. The restaurant combines a relaxed atmosphere with fine dishes made in an authentically Italian way starting with the handmade sauces and ending with the carefully selected wine list. Toasted ravioli appetizers can start off your meal of chicken or steak, or you can try something different and get a St. Louis-style pizza with an ultra-thin crust packed to the edge with toppings. Martinelli's also has a gluten-free menu and desserts worth leaving room for. Jalisco Mexican Restaurant There are several Mexican places in Salina, but the best of the bunch would probably have to be Jalisco. The restaurant is just off the Old Highway on Market Place between West Key Avenue and Belmont Boulevard. The atmosphere isn't as amazing as it could be, but the menu offers a very nice variety of authentic Mexican food with great portions for the price. Even the complimentary salsa has a good taste, and the margaritas are a great value. Seoul USA Korean Restaurant There's more to Asian food than Chinese dishes, and Seoul USA proves it for the people of Salina. You'll find this surprising spot just south of where West Crawford Street and South Broadway Boulevard meet, and on the menu you'll find kimchi, tofu pancakes, bibimbab stir fry, curry rice, and the Seoul Sampler, a dish that combines a bit of every meat the restaurant offers. All the tofu options make Seoul USA a great choice for vegans and vegetarians, and they roll out a lunch buffet every day for big eaters. Joselyn's Philippine Kitchen Also known as the Pinoy Po Tayo Café, Joselyn's Philippine Kitchen is a small restaurant that sits on South Santa Fe Avenue and East Jewell Avenue. The small building makes it a better place for takeout than for eating in, but it's a great place to eat if you're looking for food that sounds like your usual East Asian fare but tastes completely different. The egg rolls are especially delicious and the meat skewers have such a thick layer of sauce you'll think it came from an American barbecue place. Every American city over a certain size has people who came from other countries, and many of them are happy to share the flavors of home with locals who love variety. So if you live in Salina or you find yourself passing through the central plains of Kansas, be sure to take some time and stop by one of the international restaurants that can add a little extra spice to your life.
