Find the top rated dog walking trails in Valley Falls, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
As a local resident, I was thrilled to discover that the Flint Hills Trail runs directly through Herington and wanted to explore more of what’s described as one of Kansas’s most scenic long-distance trails. Unfortunately, the segment between Herington and Delavan feels forgotten — undermaintained, underpromoted, and in some areas, barely passable. There are no directional signs or kiosks marking the trailhead within Herington, and most residents I’ve spoken to don’t use the trail at all or frequently. Access can be found off N F Street near the edge of town (no public parking lot), but once you begin walking, it quickly becomes evident that this portion hasn’t received consistent upkeep in years. Grasses and brush are heavily overgrown along and across the path, sometimes reaching knee to waist height. Drainage is poor in spots, and the trail bottlenecks frequently due to barbed wire fencing and narrow rocky corridors, making it difficult to exit quickly if needed. There are no benches, bathrooms, safety features, or trail mileage indicators along this portion. I encountered no other hikers or riders — and very little sign that anyone else uses this stretch regularly. Most notably, on my most recent walk I observed over a dozen large scat piles spaced along a 1–1.5 mile stretch near the US-77 underpass, many of which appeared fresh (within 12 hours), contained hair, had a strong urine scent, and were significantly larger in diameter than what is typical of local coyotes or raccoons. There was also visible tree bark stripping nearby. I’ve submitted photos and a report to Kansas Wildlife & Parks out of an abundance of caution, as the signs could potentially indicate the presence of a large omnivore or predator (possibly a bobcat, bear, or mountain lion passing through). This section of trail has great potential and stunning views of Kansas prairie and farmland, but without basic upkeep, signage, or safety monitoring, it’s not suitable for families or casual walkers. I hope more attention is given to this western end of the trail so it can become a safe and welcoming community asset again.
This trail is in walking distance of my house so I have taken my bikes on it many times. Trail runs next to Line Creek most of the time. Scenic and a peaceful ride. Most of the time the path is wide enough for two way traffic.
The south-end trailhead at Northgate is closed until Jan 2026.
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!
What a wonderful trail ride! Very well maintained! On a Friday, I started at north trailhead, Mill Creek Streamway Park, named after the original mill built for the Shawnee. Explored Nelson Island before heading south to the southern terminus at Woodland and Northgate. A great ride with ups and downs, switchbacks, and a good number of nice bridges. A fair number of riders, walkers and runners. The trail had a centerline so everyone stayed in their lane. A great Johnson County Kansas trail that I will ride again!
We rode bikes on Indian Creek Trail between State Line all the way to the Blue River Trail and thought it was really beautiful.
We rode bikes on Indian Creek Trail between State Line all the way to the Blue River Trail and thought it was really beautiful.
I rode this trail on September 16, 2024. The signs on the trail are present but on "first look" can be missed by the uninitiated and once read are still slightly confusing. The signs are simply "waist high mile marker posts " showing directional arrows and text point to both access roads nearby (there are many!) as well as general trail direction. So read the signs carefully your first time out! The needed info is on these posts, albeit in a confusing manner.
The trail has "a few smaller hills" that should be considered closer to beginner level: they are not exceedingly long or tall for most folks. The majority of the trail trends as flat IMO.
The trail is fun to ride and certainly has scenic beauty. The trail path is a bit wider than I expected and the surface is in excellent shape at the time of my ride.
My greatest challenge was finding the zero mile starting point! The trail map on this web site, and on Google maps, are both technically incorrect. The trail's actual starting point is in the EH Young Riverfront Park parking lot, immediately east of the Argosy Casino property, next to the restrooms and the river. This park is also, by far, the best place to park anywhere on the southern part of the trail.
Very nice trail that I rode a few miles on after connecting from the Line Creek Trail. I like the trail but the highway roar was too annoying for me. I did not complete it because of this. Great trail but too noisy. Traveling cyclist Facebook
I want to give this trail more than five stars! A lot of it is curvy and hilly through woods and along water. I can’t think of anything this trail lacks. I started at the trailhead at Waukomis Drive and road north, then turned back and rode south to the casino and back. This first couple hills got me a bit winded and it seemed it was mainly uphill going north. I rode on a Saturday morning threatening rain, I saw a lot of walkers but few cyclists. I relied on Trailink map to keep me on the trail. Super stoked to ride it again! Traveling cyclist Facebook
I turned off Line Creek Trail to check this trail out. It’s great for the locals to access the Line Creek Trail. It is very short but 5 stars from me. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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