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Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails
4.6 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Hays, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails' 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.
Park with maintained footpaths, picnic tables and easy hiking terrain.
What runners say about Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails
“Seems to be a nice and well kept trail”
A perfect place to get out and enjoy a walk. The trails are much longer than you might think for it being located in Hays, but there is more to explore than you think. Trails are well maintained. When you get down a path you might even forget you're in Hays.
Nice trail to walk around, short stop to stretch the legs while passing by
I frequent this park quite often, as it is not too far from where I live. It is my sanctuary whenever I am feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or in need of a place to think. It is one of the best kept secrets in Hays. There is so much to explore when one has a chance to embark on the trails contained within the park.
Great trail head, lots of parking, gazebo with picnic tables and miles of multiple hiking trails cut into the tall grass, several of which meander back and forth across a stream of a fork in Big Creek & featuring rock walk/jump across paths over the stream (as long as the water isn't in flood mode lol)
Trail conditions & character
“Beware… we discovered some hitchhiking ticks on me and my dog after our walk!”
Plan your run at Dr. Howard Reynolds Nature Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesternberg.fhsu.edu
- Phone(785) 639-5249
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4:07 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:07 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:07 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:07 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 4:07 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Hays
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Vineyard Park Nature Area
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Massey Park
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Frontier Historical Park
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