Flint Hills Trail State Park
It’s the kind of place where you can travel many miles in near silence as your hiking boots or bike tires move over a surface velvety smooth.
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Lehigh Portland State Park is the product of a years-long project led by Thrive Allen County. It sits on the site of a former cement plant with the area now being a natural sanctuary.
Lehigh-Portland sits on 100 acres of land with a massive variety of natural sites to see. Everything from deep woodland, Kansas prairie, gorgeous coastal cliffs, and even a cave can be explored in the park! This picturesque place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Crisscrossing across the park are around 14 miles of trails. There are around 2.5 miles of gravel trails at the park including the around 1.2 mile long “backbone trail.” Alongside it are 12.5 miles of dirt trails perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and nature hikes!
Trail Access:
Eastern Trailhead - 1600th and Nebraska Road, Iola, KS 66749
(37.907606, -95.390773 )
Western Trailhead - Washington Avenue, adjacent to Elm Creek Park South, Iola, KS 66749
(37.910114, -95.405564)
It’s the kind of place where you can travel many miles in near silence as your hiking boots or bike tires move over a surface velvety smooth.
A century ago Kansans took the train from town to town, watching the countryside lazily pass as they road the rails.
Kansas is rich with ecological diversity and natural beauty. From the tallgrass prairie to the high plains, or the wetland marshes and eastern wood hills, Kansas offers endless opportunities to view a variety of wildlife in their natural home.
Certain gravel trails, such as the 1.2 mile "backbone" trail, are relatively flat and may be easier to traverse for those with mobility restrictions. There are not any major pavement trails at this time.
Visitors are allowed to fish anywhere along Elm Creek, which runs through the park. Fishing is prohibited in the quarry lake.
Potential fish in Elm Creek include:
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Do I need a permit for Lehigh Portland State Park?
There are no permits required to enjoy the park.
Park PermitsCan I drive on the Lehigh Portland State Park?
No, the park is open to any non-motorized travel – hiking, and biking – but is accessible for electric wheelchairs in many locations.
Thrive Allen County Office - (620) 365-8128
Contact Thrive Allen CountyCan I fish at Lehigh Portland Trail State Park?
Fishing is ONLY permitted at Elm Creek which runs on the north and east sides of the park. Fishing in the quarry lake is NOT permitted.
Lehigh Portland Trail - Elm CreekCan I go camping at the Lehigh Portland State Park?
No, currently there are no RV or tent camping sites at the park. Please check back for more updates on when those campsites will be made available.
Lehigh Portland TrailCan I fly a drone at the Lehigh Portland State Park?
Drone flying is only permitted in some designated areas at some State Parks. Please contact the Lehigh Portland State Park office at (620) 365-8128 for more information on whether or not drone flying is permissible.
More About DronesAre there caves at the Lehigh Portland State Park?
Yes, John Brown’s Cave is located on the Lehigh Portland State Park property. It is a type of natural cave known as a “Solutional Cave”, which is formed in rock that is soluble, such as limestone. The length of the cave is nearly 300 feet. Please follow basic caving safety and etiquette while at the park. Caves can flood easily and be very fragile.
Lehigh Portland Trail - RulesCan I hunt near the Lehigh Portland State Park?
No, hunting is NOT allowed at the park. Firearms are also NOT allowed at the park.
Lehigh Portland Trail - RulesAre there restrooms near the Lehigh Portland State Park?
Not in the park, but the towns of Iola and Gas are less than 3 miles away.
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