Best Waterfalls in Kansas: 11 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Tori Jane
Author
If there’s anything that reigns true time and time again about Kansas, it’s that it’s intensely underrated. All too many people dismiss it as “flat”, “boring”, “flyover country” … you get the idea. This, however, could not be further from the truth. Turns out, Kansas is an astonishingly beautiful place, with endless prairies, rolling emerald hills, woodlands, and so much more. For example, did you know that Kansas is home to well over a dozen incredible waterfalls? It’s true! This place is magical, so let the naysayers naysay… the rest of us know the truth about the amazing Sunflower State. Let’s take a look at some of the best waterfalls in Kansas! Adventure much? Let’s go.
Tallest Waterfalls In Kansas
So, they say Kansas is flat. This is simply not true at all – with as many hills and crevices as our little state has, it only makes sense that some of our waterfalls are on the taller side. Of course, some are taller than others, so let’s take a look at some of the tallest waterfalls in Kansas. Sure, they’re no Niagara Falls, but they’re our little wonders right here in our own backyards.
1. Geary Falls, aka Geary Lake Falls
The breathtaking 35-foot-tall cascade known to Kansans as the alluring Geary Lake Falls is, in fact, the Sunflower State’s tallest and most popular waterfall. It’s difficult to understate the majesty of this beautiful (man-made) wonder not too far from Junction City, and photos barely do it an ounce of justice. This waterfall looks best during snowmelt in the spring, or following a nice, heavy rain. Sometimes you can even hear its roar before you see it! Needless to say, this is one of those must-do bucket list items for every Kansan. We certainly wouldn’t mind seeing this one made into a state park someday.
2. Santa Fe Lake Falls
Not terribly far from the Flint Hills is the town of Augusta, which is home to one of our tallest, most wonderful waterfalls. There’s a little bit of contention about Santa Fe Lake Falls; this amazing waterfall in Kansas is quite wide, fairly tall and absolutely beautiful. You’ll want to pay the entry fee at the office before you wander to the falls; like almost all of the waterfalls on this list, this one’s especially wondrous following snowmelt and/or good rains. Other activities at this park include kayaking, disc golf, fishing, and hiking trails galore. Make a full day out of it!
3. Chase Lake Falls
While visiting the Chase State Fishing Lake, be sure to indulge in a visit to Chase Lake Falls (also known as Prather Creek Falls), be sure to take a moment to take it all in: this waterfall has three gorgeous tiers to it, and it’s incredibly photogenic, especially since it spans 30 to 40 feet across multiple falls. Chasing waterfalls in Kansas would be pointless without a visit to at least these top three; you’ll never look at the Sunflower State the same way again! Better still, first-come, first-served camping is available ‘round here, so you can fall asleep – and wake up – to the sound of the falls.
Best Waterfall Hikes In Kansas
What’s more fun than simply checking out a waterfall? Having to hike to get to it – at least in our opinion – simply adds to the fun. So, we’ve gone ahead and listed a few of the best waterfall hikes in Kansas, giving credence to both height and volume, for every adventurous soul with a wilderness streak. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know!
4. Bourbon State Fishing Lake
This 103-acre fishing lake is wonderful for all sorts of reasons, but its breathtaking little waterfall is probably our favorite bit. These 30-foot falls are absolutely AWESOME during the times of year that they roar, and it’s definitely worth planning a trip for. When it comes to all the most beautiful waterfalls in Kansas, Bourbon Falls – and the super-easy hike to reach it – is a treat. This one will be a favorite for the whole fam thanks to its ease... and wonder.
5. Indian Rock Park
Settled up along the Smoky Hill River in the beautiful little town of Salina is a set of two waterfalls – both of which are fun to hike to. The Upper Smoky Hill River falls are about four feet high (cute, right?) and the Lower Smoky Hill River falls are more considerable. Don’t let the squat nature of these cascades fool you; they make just about every list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kansas for a big reason: they’re majestic, beautiful, and so much fun to hike out to. The Indiana Rock Trail is just under one mile long and is rated as easy.
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6. Angel Falls
Found not far at all from cities like Kansas City, Missouri, and Olathe, Kansas, this waterfall belongs on your to-do list ASAP – it's one best-kept secret that might not be secret for much longer. Upon arrival at the church, meander on over to the eastern side of the parking lot. From there, you’ll see a well-marked, fairly obvious trail that’ll lead you straight to Angel Falls. This gorgeous, natural waterfall might not be the most enormous one on our list, but it’s a delight and totally worthy of a visit. It’s one of those idyllic waterfall hikes in Kansas you’re sure to fall in love with thanks to its ease – not to mention the beautiful cascade you’ll soon stumble upon.
Accessible Waterfalls In Kansas (No Hiking Required)
Okay, so, what if hiking isn’t really your thing? If you’re not necessarily up for a whole-day, on-foot adventure, don’t worry: this is perfectly valid, and you’ll be thrilled to learn that there are more waterfalls that are ridiculously easy to access (no hiking necessary!) It’s tough to choose the ones to mention and the ones to skip; just remember that Kansas is grossly underrated, and its amazingly beautiful, easy-access waterfalls are a big part of this awe-inspiring landscape.
7. Pillsbury Crossing, aka Deep Creek Falls
About seven miles from the town of Manhattan is a stunning waterfall that’s incredibly easy to access. Known as Pillsbury Falls, or Deep Creek Falls to lots of locals, this beautiful cascade is a sight to behold. Spotted bass and catfish are popular fish to spot and catch, and canoeing and kayaking are quite popular. It may be just five feet tall, but it’s an amazing 60 feet in length – making this one of Kansas’s most beautiful natural wonders.
8. Cowley Falls, aka Cowley State Lake Falls
The photogenic Cowley State Lake Falls is found on the far northwest edge of the lake, and it’s beautiful year-round. The lake itself is beautiful, and the falls complement it in every way. At 25 feet in height, this amazing cascade is everything that’s right with the Sunflower State. In the fall, the colors surrounding the falls are exquisite, and in the spring, the wildflowers abound. This is a perfect addition to the list for anyone thinking about putting together a waterfall road trip through Kansas.
9. Eureka City Falls, aka Bachelor Creek Falls
Eureka City Lake is 259 beautiful acres of wonder located near – you guessed it – Eureka, Kansas. Greenwood County is breathtakingly beautiful, and this lake/waterfall combo certainly highlights the matter in the best of ways. The waterfall often makes the “top ten” lists of amazing wonders in Kansas, and for great reason: it’s easily one of the most photogenic in the state. Though this cascade is (probably) not natural, forming as a likely result of the building of the spillway, it’s just as beautiful as all the other top contenders mentioned in this list. Who knew some of the best waterfalls in the USA were right here in Kansas? Well, now you do.
Best Waterfalls near Wichita
City-based friends, this one’s for you! Are you in or near a major city – in this case, Wichita – and not feeling overly interested in a long drive to reach the cascades of your dreams? No worries – there are a wondrous handful of falls you won’t need to stray too far from after all. Turns out, you don’t even need to go more than an hour or two for some of Kansas’s most incredible waterfalls. Check these out!
10. Butcher Falls
Butcher Falls is an impressive 14 feet in height, offering incredible views and natural beauty to everyone lucky enough to feast their eyes upon it. It’s located on the old Red Buffalo Ranch, and to access it you’ll want to find it just off of County Road 14, west of the fork where the 14 meets Kansas Road. It’s easy to find, amazing to experience, and totally worth the short drive from the city to reach it. There’s even a Bunkhouse that can be reserved (for two nights at a minimum) during spring and autumn. Check it out – you'll love it.
11. Elk Falls, aka The Falls
The Falls, as Elk Falls is commonly called to avoid confusion with the town. It‘s ten feet tall and an impressive 100 feet wide, and you can see it perfectly from the beautiful 1893 Iron Truss Bridge that spans over the river. If you want to, you can meander down to the banks of the water and take it all in that way; no matter what, you’ll find yourself immersed in a photogenic landscape that most folks would never guess was located in Kansas.
So, what are your thoughts? Did you realize Kansas is such a magical place? Well, now you do! How many of these amazing Kansas waterfalls have you already visited? Which ones are you planning to add to your bucket list? Let us know! And for more Sunflower State-based shenanigans, be sure to check out our ultimate hidden gems in Kansas road trip.
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