Okay, we really didn’t find any hidden gems or jewels in Kansas, but if you are an avid hiker like Brian and I are, around here finding a beautiful hiking area in Kansas is almost like finding hidden Gems.
When we left Colorado and crossed over into Kansas all we saw was desolate grass land. A tree or bush couldn’t be seen for miles and miles. and once we did come across a bush or maybe a lone tree our little Min Pin; Leah thought it to be exciting and would start barking at it.
The closer we got to Coffeyville we then started to come across a few trees, some rolling hillside and many farms with cows and fields.
After getting settled in and starting to work at Amazon, we started to adventure out to see what there was for us to do. Being in the middle of literally-nowhere, finding hiking trails was far and few between. Asking some of the locals they too said there wasn’t many places to go wondering around. Most folks spend their days off going to the cities-shopping; but that just isn’t for us. We would prefer being out with nature.
Brian did some research and knew there were two Corps of Engineer parks not to far away from us. One stated they had horse trail, well being in the middle of the week, we thought that it would be safe for us to walk on. So last week we took a lunch picnic, Leah and went exploring to Big Hill Lake.
When we got on the trail, we noticed it really hadn’t been used much for the grass/weeks were tall. We went as far as we could, apparently over a year ago they had a wind burst that came through knocking down many trees and the area that we came across showed apparent severe damage and clean-up hadn’t been completed as of yet.
After heading back we found a nice day-use area where we had our picnic lunch and then took the 1 mile trail along the lake. It was peaceful and I think we were the only ones out there. Not many boats were active on the lake as it was the middle of the week.
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This week we went to Elk City Lake where there were hiking trails as well. We first took the interpreter trail and then joined on to the Over look trail that joined with the State Park. Now that was a trail that we would never thought to be in Kansas! It was awesome! within the first 1/2 mile hike, we had to climb down into a crevice. It was hard having our little dog with us. But we manage to get down it. Then we came across another area where the crevice was so small that if you were a large person-you would not get through!
With the leaves coming down and the terrain, Brian was having a little difficulty and with me having Leah, it was hard to really enjoy the hike to far, so when we found that it did join with the interpreter trail, we headed back towards the car. But it’s a hike that we will adventure on again some time in the near future.
We had just one more stop to make and explore, Montgomery State Fish & Wildlife area. Brian was told that there was a small lake there that we could take our canoe. sure enough we found yet another what we call “Kansas Gem”! There is free primitive camping. Plenty to explore and yes, we can bring the canoe. We had fun walking just on the gravel roadway, exploring and we found where there are several off road trails. This one is must to return for a day of hiking, canoeing and who knows,if the weather cooperates; we will bring our tent as well. If not, well we will just enjoy a day trip here.
So you see, Kansas isn’t ALL flat and boring as one would possibly think-there are some Hidden Gems!
When we left Colorado and crossed over into Kansas all we saw was desolate grass land. A tree or bush couldn’t be seen for miles and miles. and once we did come across a bush or maybe a lone tree our little Min Pin; Leah thought it to be exciting and would start barking at it.
The closer we got to Coffeyville we then started to come across a few trees, some rolling hillside and many farms with cows and fields.
After getting settled in and starting to work at Amazon, we started to adventure out to see what there was for us to do. Being in the middle of literally-nowhere, finding hiking trails was far and few between. Asking some of the locals they too said there wasn’t many places to go wondering around. Most folks spend their days off going to the cities-shopping; but that just isn’t for us. We would prefer being out with nature.
Brian did some research and knew there were two Corps of Engineer parks not to far away from us. One stated they had horse trail, well being in the middle of the week, we thought that it would be safe for us to walk on. So last week we took a lunch picnic, Leah and went exploring to Big Hill Lake.
When we got on the trail, we noticed it really hadn’t been used much for the grass/weeks were tall. We went as far as we could, apparently over a year ago they had a wind burst that came through knocking down many trees and the area that we came across showed apparent severe damage and clean-up hadn’t been completed as of yet.
After heading back we found a nice day-use area where we had our picnic lunch and then took the 1 mile trail along the lake. It was peaceful and I think we were the only ones out there. Not many boats were active on the lake as it was the middle of the week.
.
This week we went to Elk City Lake where there were hiking trails as well. We first took the interpreter trail and then joined on to the Over look trail that joined with the State Park. Now that was a trail that we would never thought to be in Kansas! It was awesome! within the first 1/2 mile hike, we had to climb down into a crevice. It was hard having our little dog with us. But we manage to get down it. Then we came across another area where the crevice was so small that if you were a large person-you would not get through!
With the leaves coming down and the terrain, Brian was having a little difficulty and with me having Leah, it was hard to really enjoy the hike to far, so when we found that it did join with the interpreter trail, we headed back towards the car. But it’s a hike that we will adventure on again some time in the near future.
We had just one more stop to make and explore, Montgomery State Fish & Wildlife area. Brian was told that there was a small lake there that we could take our canoe. sure enough we found yet another what we call “Kansas Gem”! There is free primitive camping. Plenty to explore and yes, we can bring the canoe. We had fun walking just on the gravel roadway, exploring and we found where there are several off road trails. This one is must to return for a day of hiking, canoeing and who knows,if the weather cooperates; we will bring our tent as well. If not, well we will just enjoy a day trip here.
So you see, Kansas isn’t ALL flat and boring as one would possibly think-there are some Hidden Gems!
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