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Roth Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 49 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawrence, Kansas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Roth Trailhead'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.
Public hiking area providing kid-friendly trails, birding opportunities, and a restroom.
What runners say about Roth Trailhead
“These are great, well maintained trails with a good mix of terrain, views and a lot of educational points along the way.”
“It's quiet, the trails are marked very well, and there is a cool platform with a great view on the Roth trail.”
What a nice little jewel just outside Lawrence. Went for an early morning November walk and enjoyed the trail from the grasslands all the way up to the outlook point. The trails are well maintained and the outlook is a nice view looking over Lawrence.
We hiked there today, May 15, 2017. There are a number of trails to hike and I believe we hit all but one. It is a pretty location, but some of the trails were a little hard to locate as the weeds were growing, (what else should I expect from an area that is left natural?) The view from the top was very, very good.
Just turning toward autumn and some recent work done on the trails to make them more accessible...my afternoon was enchanting. You can climb to the overlook to see the land stretched out every which way, but on this day I chose one of the benches below to sit and journal.
great spot for birding! dirt and gravel roads can make getting there a bit treacherous, especially after inclement weather - trails are very primitive, again take note of recent rainfall before visiting - wildlife viewing is fantastic, many different species of birds all year round, very private and quiet
Trail conditions & character
“You can climb to the overlook to see the land stretched out every which way, but on this day I chose one of the benches below to sit and journal.”
“We walked the western branch, marked in red on the map at the trailhead, and it was a nice 20 minute walk.”
“Downside is I can't take my leashed dog as no dogs are alowed.”
“I appreciated the clean restroom available for use near the trailhead.”
“From the second parking lot you have a paved walkway thru some beautiful natural prairie.”
“Just turning toward autumn and some recent work done on the trails to make them more accessible.”
Plan your run at Roth Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, water — 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.
- Websitebiosurvey.ku.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–7 PM |
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