Hike lake to lake on the Cedar Creek Trail in Olathe
Cedar Creek Falls is located at the north trailhead on Dennis Avenue in Olathe, Kansas.
Cedar Creek Trail begins at Lake Olathe and ends at Cedar Lake (or vice versa). In addition, waterfalls await hikers at each end.
Trail Cedar Creek Trail
Overview
Cedar Creek Trail is unique in the Kansas City area in that it connects two lakes and two waterfalls. Starting at the north trailhead on Dennis Avenue, you’ll be immediately greeted by Cedar Creek Falls. From there, the trail heads south through a wooded grove and follows Cedar Creek. Soybean fields can sporadically be viewed to the south and west. Though generally flat, this paved trail has a few steep grades, characterized as of low-moderate difficulty. You may see deer, heron and other local wildlife in the quiet of this area. Sycamores, cottonwoods and walnut trees comprise much of the bottomland forest that blankets the trail. The trail gradually increases in elevation before it ends at Cedar Lake. The waterfall at Cedar Lake isn’t visible from the trail, but it is often audible. You’ll need to scramble through brush on unofficial trails to reach Cedar Lake Falls. In general, the northern side of the trail (closer to Lake Olathe) is quieter than the southern zone. Although still scenic, the southern zone borders a quarry and active freight line which can temporarily interrupt your natural experience.
Cedar Lake Falls, below the spillway at Cedar Lake.
Length The paved trail is 2.8-miles out and back (for a total of 5.6 miles).
Address and location
The north trailhead is at the intersection of 143rd Street and S. Palmer Drive in Olathe. Park in the gravel lot that borders the lake.
The south trailhead is located on the north side of Olathe’s Cedar Lake; there is no sign, but it’s adjacent to the dam on the north side.
North trailhead parking in gravel lot on 143rd Street
South trailhead parking at Cedar Lake in Olathe
Conditions This is a wide paved trail with minor-moderate elevation changes.
Kid friendly? This trail is wide and can accommodate strollers and children’s bikes. Parents should be mindful of bike traffic.
How busy? This trail is moderately trafficked.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes.
