Hike the KU Field Station Trails
Lawrence, Kansas
Details
Distance
4.4 miles
Elevation Gain
423 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Collin B
Conveniently located just about 10 minutes north of Lawrence, KS, the KU Field Station is home to several public trails. The opportunities for exploration vary from hikes through the woods, to a paved stroll through restored prairie lands.
Overview
Parking at the Roth Trailhead gives the hiker several options for how to proceed. Up the paved walkway from the parking area, one can go into the woods to follow the Roth Trail, or they can venture out into the grasslands on the Lowland trail. The Roth trail leads up through wooded areas, and at the top of the hill, a magnificent vista awaits. This connects to a paved walkway through a prairie, with educational plaques along the way, illuminating the history and science behind the ecology of the prairie ecosystem. If one alternatively walks east, crossing E 1600 Road, another set of trailheads can be found. There is a sign indicating the entryway; it is next to a gate. Here, there is the Fitch Nature Trail, which, in the past biology students at KU used to explore as a field trip. There is also another trail that leads north, which, after crossing a road, connects to the aforementioned prairie path.
A couple of notes:
- The Fitch Nature Trail is near somebody's personal property. There is a house out there where someone lives, and visitors should not bother them.
- The woods in some parts consists many creaky old, dead trees. When the winds are high, beware of the possibility of falling trees.
- A map and more description can be found here
- A guide to the Fitch Nature Trail can be found here
I personally like to visit at dawn, just as the sun is rising. Deer can be seen in the morning, as it is a protected ecological reserve and forested. I often spot them along the tree lines and sometimes see them along the wooded trails.
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Hike the KU Field Station Trails Reviews
Beautiful but so many tick it makes it not worth it. And not the easily seen ones but teeny tiny seed ticks
2.0
Wanted to do something special for my birthday Nov 17 and we decided to check out the KU Field Study Preserve at dawn after catching the sunrise. Don't let 4 stars deter you. I can't say that this is the most amazing place to hike. However, we really enjoyed it and will definitely go back to explore it further. We would like to check out Fitch Nature Trail next time. We walked the Roth Trail and enjoyed the well maintained trails from the grass lands all the way up to the view overlooking Lawrence. Also, major kudos for the clean restroom! This is a nice little jewel not too far from the West side of Kansas City/Overland Park. Super fun day trip especially if you stop in Lawrence too. We love going to Ladybirds for breakfast!
4.0
I picked this trail for my first hike and I enjoyed it. There's several trails to choose from which was nice, I do suggest bringing a map if you plan to walk all of them. The outlook was breathtaking and the trail was very well maintained.
4.0
A fun, short little getaway for those who are close to Lawrence. Easy going terrain and the trails are well maintained. It would definitely be a great place to take kids and there are plenty of information boards. Also great if you have a short amount of time.
4.0
The notes were very helpful. The hike was great, lots of shade so it wasn't too hot. Our boys are 9 and 12 and have done some more advanced hiking. This was perfect for a relaxing day outside in wonderful weather.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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