Find the top rated atv trails in Manhattan, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We started at Mile Zero and rode out 15 miles and rode back. The trail is beautiful and well maintained but also has a rustic feeling to it. Most parts were crushed limestone and some parts were bigger gravel rock. Be prepared for no restrooms or official rest areas on this segment. We will definitely ride this trail again!
I rode the entire trail in June 2025 from Osawatomie to Council Grove and back, detouring through Lyndon to avoid construction. I had planned to ride to Herrington, but found that section closed. I say don't advertise that it's 118 miles long until it is! (I see it was just inducted into the Conservancy Hall of Fame touting its 118 mile length.) I travel the country to do multi-day rides on rail trails over a 100 miles long. Came up short on this one.
That said, I had an excellent ride. Had no issues with trail surfaces. On all my rail trail tours, I like to support the local economy and found several good restaurant stops along the way. I highly recommend the ride. Just don't expect it to be 118 miles long.
Rode from 53rd St. parking area to the end of the trail at Shawnee Heights Rd. Tree lined on both side the entire way, so the windy day wasn't bad at all. Surface is packed cinder type material, ranging from 4 bikes wide, to to double track, to only 3 feet wide. Trail was smooth, except for the deep horse hoof prints. High winds had done a number on limbs & debris on the trail, but once these are cleaned up the trail will be great. Good to see the trail in use by bikers and hikers. The volume of traffic was pleasant and not too busy. A couple of road crossings afforded poor site lines and short response times to competing traffic. Didn't encounter any loose dogs on the trail. Parking area is in good shape & in use by many trail users. We did not see any encampments in this section of the trail. Note: there are no restroom facilities or water available on this section of the trail and only one park bench in the entire route. Hope this gives you a good idea of the trails condition. It's a great ride!
The town of Council Grove has built a very attractive Riverwalk that is particularly well suited for low speed bike riding, walking, running, and dog walking. It’s scenic, well lit, and has easy access to restaurants and historical attractions. At the time of this review, Council Grove is the westernmost trailhead for the Flint Hill Trail.
I rode an electric bike with 4" tires on three separate rides. All of them were about 10 miles out and back (in 2 days):
Council Grove heading East,
Allen heading West, and
Ottawa heading East.
I drove from Texas to ride them and they did not disappoint! I came for the solitude and the scenery. The western end was reminiscent of scenes from Dances With Wolves. The eastern end was more wooded and shaded. I hope to return to ride other parts too.
I road this trail in September while driving cross country. Great trail long and straight with lots of farming activity during harvest season. Surface would handle road bikes. Great for gravel bike s. Marysville is a good town to explore.
Today From HIE-Ottawa I rode The Prairie Spirit Tr to intersection with Flint Hills Nature Tr. Headed west at MM22 I encountered a detour that I did not want to deal with, so I set my sights on going about 22 miles east to MM0 at Osawatami¿. Trail was 1/2 very good condition n 1/2 was bigger gravel¿. The scenery was Beautiful Big AG to my liking. I met up with a red fox, a brown snake, and a big brown hawk!
April 2022 We rode east from Council Grove Ks for about 5 miles of the trail out to the Kaw monument. We have knobby cross over tires on our Pedego’s which handled the gravel just fine. We stayed at the COE campground just north of town and rode the bikes into town and on the try and back. It looks like it would also be fun to ride around town as well as the trail but rainy cold weather limited our riding during our stay in the area. Hoping to go back and ride more of the trail and around council grove.
This trail now officially/unofficially starts in Osawatomee or mile zero at the corner of 12th and South Street.
My wife dropped me off at mile zero trailhead in Osawatomee and I met her at the depot museum in Ottawa. We then rode to Pamona. Nice ride but a section is closed between Ottawa and Pamona and you must take gravel rodes for a short 3 miles or so.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
