3 Best Hiking Trails in Olathe, KS

“Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center is a 116-acre nature preserve featuring three miles of trails, a creek, a small pond for exploration, and native prairies. The total length of the trail is 5.83 km, and the estimated time to complete the total trail is 1 hour and 33 minutes. The elevation gain of the trail ranges from 9 meters to 43 meters. The trail is considered an easy route. The nature center holds live animal exhibits with critters native to Kansas, educational displays, a 500-gallon stream aquarium, and a well-stocked gift shop with books, bug candy, and more. These hiking trails connect to Olathe bike trails west and south of the park. There are both paved and unpaved trails, allowing you to go at your own pace or experience level.”

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“Kill Creek Park is an elegant natural area covering 884 acres that ensures a relaxing environment. The trail is 4.5 kilometers long and is generally considered an easy route. It is a loop trail with an elevation gain of 55 meters and takes approximately 59 minutes to complete. The park offers four picnic shelters, a swimming beach, a marina, and over 12 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. You can explore the paved and non-paved trails and enjoy the stunning natural setting from the observation tower. Additionally, the park has 1.5 miles of paved trails for walking. The park has reservation and rental facilities available. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed in some areas.”

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“Indian Creek Trailhead offers 17 miles of paved trail, which is mainly used by visitors for walking. The total length of the trail is 36.2 kilometers, and it is generally considered an easy route. The elevation gain of the trail is 95 meters, and it is a point-to-point type. The total time taken to complete the trail is approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. The trail is also great for hiking, with a large lake excellent for fishing and boating, as well as a small pond. The trail stretches from Leawood, connecting to the Blue River trails in Missouri, and ends at Hampton Park in Olathe. Indian Creek Trailhead also has open fields for frisbee, soccer, or kite flying. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be leashed in some areas.”

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