Olathe Heritage Trail

The Olathe Heritage Trail provides an off-road connection between two popular local parks, making this a surprisingly useful and rather scenic trail considering its length and suburban surroundings.

The trail begins in the north outside Black Bob Park, which is host to a vast array of recreational activities and facilities, and features a short gravel loop trail around the park. The long and useful 151st Street Path also runs by the start of the trail, heading east and west just across the road. The asphalt trail heads south through flat and pleasantly wooded terrain, behind quiet residential neighborhoods, then crosses 153rd Street and enters Parkhill Manor Park. This small park is home to a nicely preserved wetlands area, and the trail makes use of several short boardwalk sections to take users through this scenic area. After looping around the park, the trail heads east through more suburban homesteads, before turning south again alongside a stretch of undeveloped grassland. Crossing 159th Street, the trail enters the expansive grounds of Heritage Park, the recreational cornerstone of the area's park system. Heading across an open field, the trail comes to an end at one of the park roads, just across from Heritage Lake, which is home to a silo that has become a popular local landmark.

Users should be cautious on the trail, as there are a number of at-grade street crossings. Short paths connect many of the neighborhoods along the route to the Olathe Heritage Trail, allowing residents to enjoy a peaceful walk to the park or connect safely to other parts of the area's trail network. Heritage Park is also host to a number of paved trails on its grounds, allowing trail users to explore more of the lovely and tranquil park.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available within Black Bob Park at the northern end and Heritage Park at the southern end. Additional on-street parking may be available; be sure to follow any posted signs or warnings.

To reach the northern end of the trail from the direction of Kansas City, take I-35 south towards Olathe, then take exit 215 in Olathe and turn left to head east on W 151st Street. Proceed east for several miles; the trail begins on the right side at the intersection with S Mullen Street, across from the entrance to Black Bob Park.