KPBS Nature Trails
KPBS and The Nature Conservancy believe it is important to provide a venue for the public to experience a native tallgrass ecosystem. Although KPBS is a privately-owned and university-operated research facility and most of the site is off limits to the public, we maintain publice hiking trails available from dawn to dusk, weather and trail conditions permitting. However, there are rules to preserve the landscape, wildlife, and ecological value of the land around the trails. Continued public access depends on everyone adhering to these rules. If you do not wish to follow these rules or would like to find a place to hike with your dog, we've listed some alternatives below. Many of these are also places where you can learn more about the tallgrass prairie.
Continued access to Konza Prairie trails depends on your cooperation by observing the following rules:
- Remain on designated roads and trails at all times. Bicycles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles are prohibited.
- Dogs, horses, and other pets are not permitted on-site in order to avoid impacting ongoing research.
- Drones require a valid KSU research permit and permission from the KPBS Director.
- Hunting and open carrying of firearms are prohibited.
- No camping or overnight parking.
- Collection or removal of flowers, plants, rocks, or other materials from the area is prohibited.
- Smoking, or any open flame, is a fire risk and is strctly prohibited.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Trash receptacles and picnic areas are not available on the trail.
- Trails and parking area close 1-hour after sunset.
- Contact K-State police at 785-532-6412 or the Riley County police at 785-537-2112 to report any suspicious activity.
- A suggested donation of $2.00/person at the trailhead goes to the Friends of Konza Prairie and helps maintain the trails.
The KPBS Nature Trail is accessible from the KPBS main enterance off McDowell Creek Rd. Detailed directions, trail maps, and more information about the KPBS public hiking trails are available HERE.
Alternative hiking trails around Manhattan (please check the sites for their rules of use):
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - three nature trails ranging in length from 1.6 to 6 miles are all dog friendly, though you need to keep your dog leashed and pick up after them. Backcountry hiking trails ranging from 3.8 to 13 miles in length are available for hikers only (no camping, pets, or biking), though do visit the website for safety around the bison herd.
- Tuttle Creek Lake has a variety of excellent trails (map), many of which are dog friendly and some allowing horses and vehicles:
- Blue River trail - in outlet park near Shelter #3 - 1 mile interpretive trail
- Cedar Ridge trail - 3/4 mile accessible trail
- Western Heritage trail - 1.25 mile trail through the Rocky Ford fishing area
- Cottonwood trail - 1/2 mile trail near River Pond
- Carnahan Park - 5 miles of loop trails and a 12 mile linear trail - open to equestrians
- Randolph State Park - over 12 miles of loop trails - open to equestrians
- Fancy Creek Mountain Bike Trail - 8 miles of mountain bike trails
- Spillway Cycle Area - 45 acre park with trails for ATVs, motorcycles, and mountain bikes only
- Tuttle Creek Off-Road Vehicle Area - 310 acre park open to all vehicles.
- Dog park - one acre fenced dog park near swimming beach
- Flint Hills Nature Trail - 117 miles of trail along an old rail line. Currently has 96 miles open between Osawotomie and Council Grove, with work ongoing for the portion between Council Grove and Herrington. Open for hiking, bicycles, and equestrians.
- Linear park trail - approximately 9 miles along and around the southern parts of Manhattan - dogs on leash and bikes allowed
- Other Manhattan walking and biking trails.
Off-leash dog parks in Manhattan:
- Tuttle Creek dog park - one acre fenced
- Cico Park - one acre fenced
- Fairmont Park - one acre fenced
