Konza Godwin Hill Loop

Kansas is somewhat known for its relatively flat land with nearly identical scenery across the entire state. One place where that differs is the Konza Prairie, a part of the larger Flint Hills. Totaling 6.1 miles this trail offers a variety of scenery from start to finish. 

Parking right before the Prairie Biological Station, the trailhead is clearly marked for all to see. Here you have the opportunity to use the restroom, look at the trial guide & make a suggested donation. Just a couple dollars helps to keep this trail maintained and up and running! 

One of the best features of this trail is that there are two cross sections where you can loop back and make this a 2.6 or 4.6 mile trail instead of the full 6.1 miles. The trail is covered with pea gravel and is extremely well maintained, which always a plus! 

Almost immediately into the trail you cross a small river in a wooded area and then start the upward incline through the prairie. In the summer the prairies are lush green and filled with many types of flora and fauna. Although I have to admit, I do enjoy hiking it in the fall more. The prairie has turned almost a burnt orange, the leaves are changing colors, and in general hiking is easier in cooler weather. 

The incline is the only reason I mark this is as intermediate because there is a few inclines/declines. After you reach the top of one of the hills you get a view of miles and miles of prairie and it is breathtaking. It is a view you truly don't expect to see in boring Kansas. 

After you reach the top you follow the trail on top of the hill, having views in every direction you turn. If you're lucky you can walk right by hundreds of Bison that happen to live there as well (they have so many miles to roam sometimes you can't see them). 

The cross sections to turn and loop back are clearly marked so if you decide to cut your hike shorter you easily can without having to backtrack. A little over halfway through, as you start to loop around, you start walking downward out of the hills. Eventually you are surrounded by trees and are walking by Kings Creek. This part of the trail offers an entirely different scene than on the prairie. With the afternoon sun beating down through the trees it illuminated the colorful leaves, which made for a great sight. Another couple miles and you arrive back at the trailhead. 

Overall this has to be my favorite trail in Kansas and I don't mind the 1.5 hour drive one bit. Im curious to go back this winter to see how different everything looks!