Smoky Valley Scenic Byway

As the sun begins to rise, the valley’s endless horizons awake slowly in a blue haze. And as the sun sets along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, those same hills fade into smoky azure. This scenic loop is filled with unexpected landscapes and colorful flora. Those wishing to unplug and unwind can find peace in the silence of the hills. Others that enjoy flexing their observational prowess may relish the area’s geocaching culture. There’s not a wrong way to experience this route. Find more information on the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway Website

Smoky Valley Byway Map

Things to do along the way

About the Byway

  • Locations

    • East side Eisenhower Park near US 283 & I-70 (39.015, -99.88528)
    • South of WaKeeney on US-283 (38.83853, -99.89265)
    • Cedar Bluff State Park South end of dam (38.77816, -99.72036)
  • Driving Directions

    Distance: 60 miles

    Loop 1 - WaKeeney to Ogallah: Start at I-70 exit 127 for US-283 in WaKeeney, KS. Head south on US-283 for roughly 25 miles until you reach K-4. Make a left on K-4 and continue towards Brownell, KS for about 9 miles. Turn left onto K-177 just east of Brownell, KS, and head north for another 25 miles towards Ogallah, KS. Along the way to Ogallah, be sure to check out the scenic Cedar Bluff State Park. The route concludes once you reach exit 135 off I-70 for Ogallah.

    Loop 2 - Ogallah to WaKeeney: Start at I-70 exit 135 for Ogallah, KS. Head south on K-177 for roughly 25 miles towards Brownell, KS.  Along the way to Brownell, be sure to check out the scenic Cedar Bluff State Park. Once you reach K-4 by Brownell, make a right onto K-4 and continue for about 9 more miles until you reach US-283. Turn right onto US-283 and head north towards WaKeeney, KS. The route concludes at WaKeeney.

  • The Smoky Valley Byway conveniently loops around one of the most beautiful state parks in Kansas: Cedar Bluff State Park. The limestone and chalk rock formations surrounding the lake create some of the most scenic views in Northwest Kansas!

    Cedar Bluff

    A few minutes south of the hustle and hassle of I-70 in western Kansas, life goes relaxingly slow at Cedar Bluff State Park. 

  • Byway Gallery

    Kansas Byways

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    Land & Sky

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    Native Stone

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    Glacial Hills

    The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

    Post Rock

    Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.

    Gypsum Hills

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    Western Vistas

    Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway. 

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

    Kansas Route 66

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    Prairie Trail

    When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…

    Wetlands & Wildlife

    Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…

    For more information about the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, contact:

    Cathy Albert or Lynelle Shubert
    WaKeeney Travel & Tourism
    1-877-962-7248 

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