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Print Friendly MapThe Great Bend Levee Trail runs atop the flood control levee on the north bank of the Arkansas River on the edge of Great Bend. Users will encounter rural, suburban and industrial environments over the length of the trail. The trail offers views of both the Arkansas River, which is often little more than a trickle, and nearby farming operations.
Parking for the Great Bend Levee Trail is available in a small lot off W. Barton County Road, on the western side of Great Bend.
I rode this trail in May 2025. There were many cracks on the trail with weeds growing in them. I know cracks are needed in cement for expanding and contracting, so it is what it is. I appreciate any trail and those who made them and maintain them. A section of the trail is crushed limestone. The trail goes through some open areas and along the industrial part of town. Not that close to it, since the trail is on a levee. I had used the parking lot, so I did not explore where the short spurs into town went. I'm not sure I ever saw the Arkansas River due to foliage on the trees and it might have been just" a trickle" as the write-up mentioned. A port-a pot of some kind would have been nice in the parking lot. The write-up says 7 miles, but I only got to 6 from the parking lot to the east endpoint. Beyond what looked like the end and what matched the red line on TrailLink, was a barely used and visible trail in the grass on top of the levee. I thought it might be for maintenance of the levee, so I didn't go on it.
Ran this trail in a pretty strong wind, which is not unusual in Kansas. The trail is now completely paved, concrete in some places, asphalt in other. It is hard to access from west of downtown, you have to go completely to the western end, but there are a couple of eastern access points.
Not hugely scenic as, in part, it goes through the industrial section of Great Bend, but any trail is better than fighting traffic. Mostly runs along the Arkansas River, but don't expect a lot of water unless there have been recent rains.
There is also a short trail through the city park that is more scenic, but only runs for a couple of miles in loops around the park.
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