Travel The Prairie Spirit Trail, A Rural Kansas Town Adventure That Is Built For Mountain Biking
By Clarisa|Published October 14, 2020
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Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
If you’ve been looking for a long trail for a bike adventure, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Prairie Spirit Trail is ready when you are! There’s always time for a great mountain bike ride, and rural Kansas is the perfect calming scenery for taking a long overdue fresh air break. What do you think?
Today's adventure is all about mountain biking on the Prairie Spirit trail.
52.3 miles of beautiful Kansas trail spans from Iola to Ottawa, running in only one direction. That means you'll need to either only travel halfway before doubling back, or handle all 104 miles to reach the end before heading back to your car.
Built on a former railroad, this trail was constructed in stages from 1996 to 2012. Passing through Iola, Carlyle, Colony, Welda, Garnett, Richmond, Princeton, and Ottawa along its entire length is an adventure all on its own!
There are a few important markers you'll enjoy along the way, such as an old iron bridge, a tunnel, and much more. It's a beautiful trail all throughout.
Much of the trail features different natural features, like wildflowers when it's the right season, and plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out. That's the benefit of rural trails, you could spot anything!