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Elk River Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · Running trail in Elk City, Kansas · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Elk River Hiking Trail'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.
Long hike with rocky areas and vistas, plus bluffs featuring rocks and caves.
What runners say about Elk River Hiking Trail
“I want to add that late spring is probably the best time to hike this trail, as there are plenty of beautiful trees and plants---all of which are clearly dead in the winter.”
“Well marked and lots of campsites along the 15 mile trail.”
This trail is pretty awesome! If you plan on hiking the full 15 mile trail, it takes about 11 hours to complete. Bring plenty of water and food. The trail is one way, so if you do the 15 miles, have someone park at the east side end of the trail or plan to hike back.
One of the, if not the, best trails in Kansas. It's not as much strenuous as it is rugged. The ascents are steep but short. However, it's a very rocky trail. Within 2 miles of the east trailhead, you have a narrow descent where you have to put your pack on the rock, climb down, then reach up to retrieve your pack.
This is the best hiking trail in Kansas by far. If it has rained recently, I would recommend starting on the East side, but both sides are very senic and great for people of all ages. These photos are from the West side, and it is a must hike for anyone in Kansas, Oklahoma, or any nearby state.
What an awesome trail! We went on a Sunday and only crossed paths with one other couple. We spent 2 hours hiking and did around 3 miles total... This included some necessary exploring. Highly recommend! Note: There are not any restrooms close by, so be prepared 😉.
Trail conditions & character
“I want to add that late spring is probably the best time to hike this trail, as there are plenty of beautiful trees and plants---all of which are clearly dead in the winter.”
“If you don't want to do 10 miles the first day, I recommend stopping at the bench that's just over 2 miles in from the east trailhead for your first night.”
“However, it's a very rocky trail.”
“I recommend this place for a nice trail hike, keep in mind there are NO restrooms here.”
“Well marked and lots of campsites along the 15 mile trail.”
Plan your run at Elk River Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance15 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Phone(574) 336-1153
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 |
Running trails near Elk City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Johnstone Park
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Sooner Park Play Tower
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Cooper Dog Park
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Civitan Park
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