The Sunflower State has a boring reputation as being made up of flat, endless plains. Sure, we have a lot of prairies, but that’s not uncommon in the Midwest, and those of us who love this place knows there is actually quite a diverse array of scenery here, you just have to know where to visit. There’s no end to the amazing hikes in Kansas, regardless of what area of the state you’re in. Even in our larger cities, you can find some wonderful trails that make for a beautiful foray into nature without leaving a bustling metropolitan area. One of our favorite hiking trails in Topeka, KS, is the beautiful Cedar Crest Red and Yellow Trail. Check it out:

There's a great trail system at this park, but it's known by several names. You may hear them referred to as the MacLennan Trails or the Governor's Mansion Trails.
Mark Butler/Alltrails
By any name, this is a wonderful area to explore!
Johannah Smith/Alltrails
The particular trails we're covering today are about 4.5 miles in total, and loop around an area near Kaw River State Park. With an elevation gain of just under 450 feet, they're considered moderately difficult and will take most hikers about two hours to explore in full.
liam Reynolds/Alltrails

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Note that the trail can get pretty muddy after recent rains, so if you're visiting when it's been wet, make sure to wear adequate footwear!
Thad Wathen/Alltrails
At any time of year, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery.
Anna Balaun/Alltrails
I love going hiking in the spring or just at the tail end of summer when the temperatures aren't quite as hot, but the world is still full of green.
J Tro/Alltrails
To be in the middle of the city, this hike feels so peacefully secluded!
Dan Henderson/Alltrails

For more information about the best hike in Topeka, KS, check out our friends at Alltrails. You can even sign up for a free trial of Alltrails+ if you’d like to enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions.

Interested in checking out other trails in the Sunflower State? Don’t miss our list of the 18 Best Hikes in Kansas!

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MacLennan Park Trail, Topeka, KS 66606, USA