There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind against your face as you pedal past scenic lakes, rolling prairies, and wooded hills. All of this, and so much more, is waiting to be discovered in the Midwestern cycling haven of Kansas. Whether you're a beginner looking for a leisurely ride or an expert seeking challenging terrain, the Sunflower State has something spectacular to offer bicyclists of every skill level.
 

Plan your cycling adventure to explore remarkable bike trails and parks throughout our state. You’ll discover not only great riding but also breathtaking natural beauty and the warm hospitality of our charming communities.

Trails Throughout Kansas State Parks

Family-friendly routes, scenic vistas, and a variety of terrains make Kansas an ideal destination for biking adventures. You find it all on trails at these amazing state parks:

Clinton State Park Trails​

• Expert Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Known For: Multi-use trails for mountain biking and hiking

, Clinton State Park features more than 25 miles of trails along the shore of Clinton Lake, providing a mix of terrains, from wooded areas to open prairies. With relatively flat sections and some moderate climbs, these trails are suitable for beginners and families who want to enjoy the park’s easier paths, as well as intermediate riders looking to challenge themselves on the more technical sections.

Cross Timbers State Park

• Expert Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Known For: Challenging mountain biking in Kansas with sweeping lake views

Situated on the shore of Toronto Lake in southeastern Kansas, Cross Timbers State Park offers unique mountain biking, taking you over rugged terrain and through dense forests. With approximately 10 miles of trails, cyclists can expect a challenging ride through rocky outcrops, steep inclines, and technical descents. The trails feature stunning views of the lake and the surrounding Cross Timbers ecosystem.

Flint Hills Trail State Park

• Expert Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Known For: Longest trail in Kansas, scenic views of the Flint Hills

Stretching for 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington, Flint Hills Trail State Park is a rails-to-trails project that offers a scenic cycling experience through diverse landscapes, from tallgrass prairies to wooded creek valleys. It’s the longest trail in Kansas, with a crushed limestone surface that makes it accessible for all riders, including families. This well-maintained path is perfect for those seeking a long-distance ride or a multi-day biking adventure.

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park

• Expert Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Known For: Rail trail connecting multiple communities

The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park in east-central Kansas provides 51 miles of rail trail, one of the longest in the state. This lengthy route offers a smooth, mostly flat ride through a variety of landscapes, including native prairie grasslands, farmlands, and wooded areas. The trail is well-maintained, making it an excellent choice for family outings or leisurely rides to explore small towns, each with its own unique charm.

Wilson State Park

• Expert Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Known For: Challenging mountain biking trails with unique rock formations

Located in central Kansas, Wilson State Park offers some of the most challenging mountain biking in the state. The park's Switchgrass Trail system provides more than 20 miles of singletrack trails that wind through rugged terrain filled with technical challenges, including rocky outcrops, steep climbs, and fast descents. The trails feature breathtaking views of a lake and unique rock formations, making it a favorite among experienced mountain bikers.

Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail

• Expert Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Known For: Epic singletrack mountain biking in Kansas

The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, located within Wilson State Park, is one of the premier mountain biking destinations in Kansas. This 22-mile trail system offers a true backcountry riding experience with stunning views of Wilson Lake. The trail features a variety of terrain, from flowing singletrack to technical rock gardens and challenging climbs, providing a mix of fast, flowy sections and more technical areas.

Beyond Kansas Parks

Kansas provides a wealth of cycling opportunities beyond its state parks. From biking in Kansas City to traversing more rural routes, bicyclists can explore uniquely diverse landscapes.
 

Blue River Rail Trail

• Expert Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Known For: Scenic ride along the Big Blue River

The Blue River Rail Trail is an 11.7-mile trail that runs from Marysville to the Nebraska border. This crushed limestone trail follows the former Union Pacific Railroad line and offers beautiful views of the Big Blue River and surrounding farmlands. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Shawnee Mission Park

• Expert Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Known For: Multi-use cycling in Kansas City

Located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Shawnee Mission Park offers more than 10 miles of multi-use trails that wind through wooded areas and around a scenic lake, providing an easy-going natural escape within an urban environment.

Southwind Rail Trail

• Expert Level: Beginner
• Known For: Short, family-friendly trail connecting communities

The Southwind Rail Trail is a 6.5-mile path connecting the cities of Iola and Humboldt in southeast Kansas, passing through picturesque countryside, including farmlands and wooded areas, and features several bridges over creeks. This rail trail offers a smooth, flat ride suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Unbound Gravel: The Premier Gravel Cycling Event

Cycling in Kansas is world-renowned, thanks in part to Unbound Gravel, a premier gravel cycling event that brings together thousands of participants from across the globe. This annual event offers various distance options, from 25 miles to the ambitious 350-mile XL route. The main attraction is the 200-mile race, which challenges riders with rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the sheer distance of the course.

Taking riders through the Flint Hills, across rocky roads, and stream crossings, Unbound Gravel has become one of the most prestigious gravel races in the world, solidifying Kansas's position as a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts. 

So, whether you're planning a leisurely cycling vacation, looking for new trails to conquer, or seeking the ultimate gravel riding experience, consider Kansas for your next biking adventure. With our varied terrain, well-maintained trails, and world-class events, the Sunflower State is truly a hidden gem in the cycling world.