HomeKansasEmporia › Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan

Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan

4.9 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Emporia, Kansas · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24h

What runners say about Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (21 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

In a small city like Emporia Cottonwood trail is “something is better than nothing”. Nice place to hang out with family and friends with a trail in riverside.

★★★★★ — Abdullah , Feb 2021

Nice trail along Cottonwood River. Easy enough for a toddler to walk on. Partially mulched, only alongside field for short time. Entrance from Peter Pan Park near frisbee golf goal.

★★★★★ — Josh , Mar 2021

Such a great trail to walk or bike. I especially loved the two VERY large Cottonwood Trees right next to each other. They have been around for a long time.

★★★★★ — Andy , Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 21 reviews →

Plan your run at Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Cottonwood River Trail - Peter Pan

Emporia, Kansas

Get directions

Running trails near Emporia

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Peter Pan Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 945 reviews

Emporia, KS

ShadedScenic

Spacious park offering picnic facilities, a fenced playground, a lake & an 18-hole disc-golf course.

under a mile away

Emporia All Veterans Memorial

4.8 ★★★★★ 384 reviews

Emporia, KS

Scenic

Park featuring a tribute to veterans with a bridge, river, and trails, plus a zoo.

under a mile away

Fremont Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 136 reviews

Emporia, KS

Steam train, caboose and playground at a park that hosts occasional band concerts.

under a mile away

Woodland Park

3.9 ★★★★☆ 31 reviews

Emporia, KS

1.6 miles away

C of E Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 134 reviews

Emporia, KS

PavedLitScenicDog-friendly

Former grounds of the College of Emporia with a pond, trees, and grassy areas, popular for walking.

1.7 miles away

Dale Greiner Nature Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Emporia, KS

2.1 miles away

All running trails in Emporia, KS →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.