At Elk City, waves of grain give way to fields boulders
The Table Mound Trail at Elk City State Park, Independence, Kansas
The Chautauqua Hills break through the plains in spectacular cliffs, canyons and rugged hills.
Trail Elk City State Park
Overview
Elk City State Park sprawls over more than 5,000 acres in south central Kansas. At its heart is the Elk City Reservoir. While there is much here for water enthusiasts and anglers, the park is a premiere attraction for hikers and mountain bikers. It includes more than 15-miles of trails, ranging from entry-level nature walks to routes that lead through boulder-scrambling heights. Table Mound, which rises about 250 feet above the surrounding farmland, is the centerpiece. Trails in this area cut through the Chautauqua Hills, uplifted rock made of layers sandstone, shale and limestone. Erosion and gravity has fractured Table Mound, resulted in surrounding fields of boulders. It makes for challenging but spectacular hiking. Unlike much of Kansas, this area is also heavily forested (except where it has been cleared for agriculture), with cedar trees predominating.
Note: The 15-mile Elk River Trail is nearby, but is not in Elk City State Park. Learn more about that trail here.
Length There are more than 15 miles of trails at Elk City State Park. Highlights include:
Table Mound Trail 5 miles out-and-back. If you don’t want to hike 5 miles, you can begin at the overlook parking lot and chart a shorter course (hikers only).
Post Oak Nature Trail One-mile loop atop Table Mound (hikers only).
Green Thumb Nature Trail One mile-loop beginning at Timber Road Campground (hikers only).
Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail Four miles, multiple loops.
Distance Elk City State Park is a little under three hours from downtown Kansas City.
Conditions Except for the nature trails, hiking at Elk City State Park is challenging and strenuous. Trails are well-marked and maintain, but they are natural surface and subject to snow and rain. In addition, there are significant elevation changes and rocky footing.
Kid friendly? Kids will need to be up for a strenuous hike.
How busy? On holidays and during warm weather, this park can be popular. If you want a less-trafficked experience, visit on a weekday or in the offseason.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Only on the mountain bike trail.
Address and location Elk City State Park, 4825 Squaw Creek Rd, Independence, KS 67301
