Konza Prairie Trails
Konza Prairie's hiking trails wind through lowland gallery forest, cross Kings Creek, and climb over ancient limestone ledges into the native tallgrass prairie. At the highest points, enjoy spectacular views of the Flint Hills and the Kansas River Valley.
Six miles of hiking trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Experience Flint Hills geology throughout our trail system. Enjoy a moderate walk with occasional steep climbs, uneven footing and narrow pathways. To protect the trail and hikers, the trail is occasionally closed during wet conditions or controlled burning.
The nature trails are provided by K-State Division of Biology and Friends of Konza Prairie. Maintenance of trails depends on voluntary user contributions. A contribution of $2 is appreciated.
Please prepare for your visit and review the preserve rules. Plan to spend a minimum of 2-hours outdoors on the trail. Consider your ability level and preparedness, the length of your hike and the amount of time you have before the preserve closes.
Konza Prairie's hiking trails begin at the parking area near the main entrance. At the trailhead, please sign our guest register and pick up a self-guided trail brochure. We like to know who is visiting and how many people are in your party.
(Are you a group of 10 or more? Please register your self-guided group hike.)
For your convenience, you may view or print our self-guided trail brochures.
- Nature Trail Loop (pdf format, 427 KB, prints 8½” x 14”)
Part of the trail system, our 2½-mile Nature Trail winds through lowland gallery forests, crosses Kings Creek, and climbs over ancient limestone ledges until it reaches upland tallgrass prairie, and at the highest point gives a spectacular view of the Flint Hills and the Kansas River Valley. Please allow minimum 2-hours to enjoy this 2.5-mile round trip hike.
Enjoy similar vistas as the Nature Trail, on the Kings Creek or Godwin Hill loops. - Kings Creek Loop (pdf format, 273 KB, prints 8½” x 11”)
Please allow minimum 3½-hours to enjoy this 4.4-mile round trip hike. - Godwin Hill Loop (no current trail guide)
Please allow minimum 4½-hours to enjoy this 6.0-mile round trip hike. - Hokanson Homestead (pdf format, 209 KB, prints 8½” x 11”)
Just off the Nature Trail is Hokanson Homestead, settled by Swedish immigrants in 1878. Situated near Kings Creek within the gallery forest, the homestead site features an original limestone barn and other foundations, as well as a wildlife observation lean-to and outdoor seating area. Discover man’s impact on the land as you hike a short trail around the homestead. Please allow an additional 1-hour to enjoy investigation of this site.