The "Friends of the Prairie Spirit" welcome you to the rn first major rail-trail development in the state of Kansas. rn The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail offers biking and hiking rn enthusiasts, runners, bird watchers and nature lovers a rn new Kansas outdoor adventure. From Ottawa to Welda, rn the Prairie Spirit Trail is currently more than 33 miles.
rn
rnKansas’ first rail-trail, converted from two former rn railbeds that have been "railbanked", meanders through golden prairies, rn quiet woodlands, beautiful lakeside scenery, and travels rn through charmingly inviting communities. Upon rn completion the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail will span from rn Ottawa to Iola and total more than 50 miles. The trail is rn operated under the management of the Kansas rn Department of Wildlife and Parks. Similarly, the Flint Hills Nature rn Trail, an equestrian/hiking/bicycling trail, when completed from rn Osawatomie, KS to Herrington, KS, will be a rn 150-mile trail, one of the longest rail-trails in rn the United States. Both trails will intersect in rn Ottawa, KS.
rn
The trail outside the communities of Garnett and Ottawa rn is of a hard packed surface created by mixing calcium rn chloride with limestone screenings. It is 12 feet wide, rn varying in some areas. Inside the city limits of Garnett and rn Ottawa the surface is asphalt and is adorned with native rn landscaping and ornamental lighting.
rn
Built upon a railway bed, the trail grades are very rn moderate and most stretches are level making this trail rn ideal for maintaining steady speeds on long rides. The trail rn passes over several bridges overlooking ponds, creeks, rn and the Marais Des Cygnes River. Trailheads providing rn amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas are located rn in each community along the trail, while rest areas with
rnbench seating are strategically placed along the trail.
rn
TRAIL HOURS:
rn
The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail is open during rn daylight hours (outside of Garnett and Ottawa rn city limits). Special-use permits may be rn obtained for group evening rides or night rn events from the trail manager. These events rn must be approved and planned in advance for rn notification of local law enforcement agencies.
rn
UPDATED TRAIL PERMIT INFORMATION:
rn
Daily permits are $2.50, and can be obtained at any of the rn trailheads. Annual permits are $10.50, and can be rn purchased at the Garnett Area Chamber of Commerce, rn Garnett City Hall, Franklin County Clerk’s Office (Ottawa) rn and Country Mart in Ottawa.
