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Lawrence Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawrence, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lawrence Nature Park'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.
Secluded conservation area featuring unpaved woodland walking trails & native wildlife.
What runners say about Lawrence Nature Park
“It's a quiet place to go and get away from the noise of everyday life!”
Lawrence Nature Park has some pretty awesome trails. Going down the first trailhead from the parking lot will lead you to several different paths you can take. The ground is uneven! Easier for walking, but not so much running. Multiple areas where you will be going up and down hills covered in rock.
Nice easy trails. Has options of smaller loops and is mostly easy to walk. Different junctions are all clearly marked with signs of the map. Is harder to walk right after or on a rainy day though, as the trails will be muddy. The tranquility and quiet/peace is nice here. Once saw a deer run by in here.
Good signs at important intersections so you know where you are. Round-trip from parking lot to farthest point is a little over a mile.
As soon as you enter and go in about 20 feet you get a feel of the seclusion. It's like you stepped into another world. All I heard were birds chirping away and trees creaking in the wind. Though some of the paths were quite muddy it was still a blast to hike through.
Trail conditions & character
“Love taking our dog along, and our kids love”exploring” all of the things.”
“The hiking trails are very well mapped and marked, but the path is a little uneven and contains areas with exposed roots.”
“Going down the first trailhead from the parking lot will lead you to several different paths you can take.”
“It's a quiet place to go and get away from the noise of everyday life!”
Plan your run at Lawrence Nature Park
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelawrenceks.org
- Phone(785) 832-3496
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
Running trails near Lawrence
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Burcham Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 349 reviews
City park with a playground, trail & view of the Kansas River plus a preserved cottonwood forest.
Pat Dawson Billings Nature Area
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42 acres of floodplain area offering several fishing ponds for public use & tall native grasses.
Riverfront Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 334 reviews
Clean park featuring disc golf and river views, plus trails for hiking and biking.