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Lawrence River Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 304 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawrence, Kansas · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 9 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lawrence River 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.
Popular cycling and hiking spot, with river views (and boat ramps).
What runners say about Lawrence River Trails
“We were with Friends of the Kaw to clean up for Earth Day.”
“Great views of Lawrence River and soooo many sweet mulberries and fragrant honey Sickles and cyclists right now.”
“This is considered an easy trail, but don't be fooled you'll need some basic bike handling skills.”
I don’t see how anyone could give this trail a bad review, it’s a wonderful trail! I’ve hiked on trails all over the country and this seriously is a favorite of mine. Very secluded feeling surrounded by nature and has enough small hills to allow you to get a good exercise.
Not hard hike by any means. Great views of Lawrence River and soooo many sweet mulberries and fragrant honey Sickles and cyclists right now. Great findings of wood ears after the rain.
We were with Friends of the Kaw to clean up for Earth Day. This is a lovely trail alongside the river, lots of shade.
This is a nice spot if you don't feel like riding a technical trail. Great spot for those learning mountain biking. Super flowy. I would give it one more star if it had a couple more jumps for the more advanced riders. It's only has one true jump, maybe two if you really try hard.
Trail conditions & character
“Great views of Lawrence River and soooo many sweet mulberries and fragrant honey Sickles and cyclists right now.”
“I noticed people claiming on here that there are trails clearly marked for “hikers” but please be aware that this trail loop is a shared trail for both hikers and bikers.”
“Overall it is an enjoyable trail throughout, but check the weather before you go because when the trail is muddy it is not fun at all.”
“Very secluded feeling surrounded by nature and has enough small hills to allow you to get a good exercise.”
Plan your run at Lawrence River Trails
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
- Loop distance9 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitelawrencemountainbikeclub.org
- Social Facebook
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 Lawrence
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lawrence Riverfront Park MB Trail
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Park with trails for walking and biking.
Burroughs Creek Park
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Burcham Park
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City park with a playground, trail & view of the Kansas River plus a preserved cottonwood forest.
Riverfront Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 334 reviews
Clean park featuring disc golf and river views, plus trails for hiking and biking.
Prairie Park Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 610 reviews
100-acres of wetlands, woodlands, prairie habitats & a lake, plus a nature center with live birds.