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Third phase of Prairie Spirit Trail opens
New section of former railroad right-of-way connects Ottawa to Iola
Prairie Spirit (Rail) Trail from Ottawa to Iola now is complete.
The trail’s hard-packed limestone surface is suitable for foot traffic, bicycles and wheelchairs. Portions of the trail inside city limits are paved asphalt adorned with ornamental lighting and landscaping. For the safety of trail users, it is routinely patrolled by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officers and local law enforcement.
The title to the 50-mile stretch of railroad right-of-way was transferred to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in May 1992.
Wildlife and Parks adopted a three-phase plan to develop the trail and open it to the public.
Phase one from Richmond to Welda opened on March 30, 1996. Phase two from Richmond to Ottawa opened Sept. 1, 1998.
Now after several years of construction, phase three from Welda to Iola is complete.
The trail is open during daylight hours. Special permits may be obtained for group night rides or other events.
Restrooms are spaced conveniently along the trail with picnic areas located at each trail head. Camping is prohibited along the trail corridor, but North Lake Park in Garnett, which borders the trail, allows camping. Fishing is allowed only in lakes at Garnett. Hunting and all firearm possession is prohibited along the trail corridor.
With the addition of the Welda to Iola segment, visitors now have 50 miles of nature to explore.
For additional information, call (785) 448-6767. To view an online video of the trail, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
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The trail’s hard-packed limestone surface is suitable for foot traffic, bicycles and wheelchairs. Portions of the trail inside city limits are paved asphalt adorned with ornamental lighting and landscaping. For the safety of trail users, it is routinely patrolled by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officers and local law enforcement.
The title to the 50-mile stretch of railroad right-of-way was transferred to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in May 1992.
Wildlife and Parks adopted a three-phase plan to develop the trail and open it to the public.
Phase one from Richmond to Welda opened on March 30, 1996. Phase two from Richmond to Ottawa opened Sept. 1, 1998.
Now after several years of construction, phase three from Welda to Iola is complete.
The trail is open during daylight hours. Special permits may be obtained for group night rides or other events.
Restrooms are spaced conveniently along the trail with picnic areas located at each trail head. Camping is prohibited along the trail corridor, but North Lake Park in Garnett, which borders the trail, allows camping. Fishing is allowed only in lakes at Garnett. Hunting and all firearm possession is prohibited along the trail corridor.
With the addition of the Welda to Iola segment, visitors now have 50 miles of nature to explore.
For additional information, call (785) 448-6767. To view an online video of the trail, visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.