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Print Friendly MapThis collection of trails was built of the site of a former cement plant and quarry along the banks of Elm Creek in Iola, Kansas. There are over 2.25 miles of gravel rail-trails occupying the railbeds of three legacy lines: The Missouri Pacific, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) and the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe.
In addition, there are about 12 miles of single track mountain biking trails winding through-out the property. Riders will be treated to a variety of landscapes, including rocky bluffs, elevated lake views, fields of native wildflowers and grasses, forests, and wetlands. A picture perfect sunset is the reward at the end of a long day out on the trails.
In April 2023, the Lehigh Portland Trails State Park was established as Kansas' 28th state park. The park has an 138-acre lake, diverse landscapes, and almost 15 miles of gravel and natural surface trails.
Lehigh Portland Trails State Park has parking available. The Eastern Trailhead is located at 1600th and Nebraska Road, and features a gravel parking lot. The Western Trailhead is adjacent to Elm Creek Park South, at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Elm Creek. Parking is available along Washington Avenue.
Took this spur off of the Southwind trail and rode a short distance into the trail system. The first portion of the trail has a course gravel surface, good for mountain bikes but not sure others would like so well. Once into the trail system the surface improves. This is a very wooded area with plenty of single track options to explore. If had more time would be worth trying more trails. Signage asks that riders stay off trails after rain, they can get real muddy and torn up.
The Lehigh Trail, at the south edge of Iola, KS has something for everyone. The main trail offers a hard-packed limestone screening surface, firm enough for hiking, biking, wheel chairs, and strollers, and is an excellent surface for the casual hiker/biker. For those who want something more challenging, there are single-track trails over rocks, through wooded areas, through tall grass, and along the edge of its namesake rock quarry. Lehigh has it all!
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