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Marty Bender Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Salina, Kansas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Marty Bender Nature Area'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.
What runners say about Marty Bender Nature Area
“Beautiful nature walk exactly 3 miles from the parking lot.”
Great moderate 2.8-3.0 mile trail with some of it along the river. The tree swings are fun! There are a few hills that make for some nice elevation change.
The Marty Bender nature area is a pleasant 3 mile hiking trail with multiple picnic tables and benches.
Beautiful views. Lots of places for photo ops. The first part of trail (half mile) from parking area, is flat, like a grass field. Does have decline/incline in the rest of it. Lots of trees, river, found hedgeapples. Would be great sunset view, but would probably walk back in dark, so bring a flashlight.
This is a nice place to walk around three miles of natural beauty. It's an easy walk with lots of different views to enjoy. Just outside Salina city limits it's easy to get to and not very crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“2 mile hike to complete the trek, but with breathtaking views and a and constant terrain changes, this Nature Area/Trail quickly became one of my favorite hikes.”
“There are a few hills that make for some nice elevation change.”
“The first part of trail (half mile) from parking area, is flat, like a grass field.”
“A worn pathway with visible tree roots follows a river along one section of the walk.”
Plan your run at Marty Bender Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitelandinstitute.org
- Phone(785) 823-5376
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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