Hiking and Biking
​...throughout Mitchell County, Kansas
Leisurely experiencing Mitchell County.  ~  Getting Close To Nature!
Visitors to Mitchell County, Kansas, will find plenty of locations for hiking and biking.  Set against a vista of big skies and wide-open spaces, rolling hills, lake shores and tree-lined tributaries, a variety of get-back-to-nature opportunities awaits those of all ages and skill levels!  Seasonal changes will further accent your experience. Don’t forget your camera!

Places For Hikes  & Biking Excursions 
Beloit Recreational Trail - Beloit, KS
  • GPS Location: 39.47537° N, 98.10909° W

This is a free recreational trail, approximately one mile long. The trail is courtesy of the City of Beloit and the Sunflower Foundation.
  • Please enjoy your time, but abide by the following rules.
  • Trail hours are from dawn until dusk.
  • Please stay on the trail
  • Please stay to the right but pass on the left
  • Please throw away all trash in designated trash receptacles
  • Dogs are welcome on the trail, but please dispose of all dog droppings
  • Bicycles, wheelchairs and baby strollers are welcome, but no horses or motorized vehicles are permitted.
Solomon River Trail - Beloit, KS
  • GPS Location: 39.45499° N, 98.10638° W
  • Locate  |  Trailhead is located in the west parking lot of Nutrien Ag Solutions, intersection of River and Elliott Streets, Beloit, Kansas.

The Solomon River multi-use trail for walking, running and biking winds around the outside of the trees for beautiful views of the Solomon River. Included is a beautiful new wooden bridge and an optional technical trail feature built over a fallen tree. There is a picnic table located at the southeast end for resting at the point to turn around and head back to the trailhead. Currently, the total length of the trail is approximately 1.5 miles. *The Solomon River mountain bike, hiking and running natural surface trail in the trees along the river is under construction.
Tipton Woods Park / Trail - Tipton, KS
  • GPS Location: 39.33449° N, 98.46746° W
  • Locate  |  The trailhead is located south of St. Boniface Cemetery off of Buffalo Street, Tipton, Kansas

A 15-acre walking, running and biking natural surface trail begins at the trailhead kiosk, then leads to a pollinator plot butterfly garden and outdoor science classroom. A fun flow-line takes one heading south to the direction of the wooded part of the trail. Each trail is named after one of the local animals found in the area and features a life size cut-out of each animal.
Located on the southwest side of the trail is the Hawk’s Nest picnic shelter with three tables. The overall length of the trail is approx. 1.5 mile loop with benches to rest near each bridge. Metal animal cutouts can also be found at various spots along the trail.
Glen Elder State Park - Glen Elder, KS
The park provides several miles of hiking and biking trails, The trails, leading throughout the entire Park area,  are generally grass covered, are mowed and maintained; they are generously wide and easy to navigate, Users will encounter ongoing views of the lake and surrounding park area and a host of wildlife including rabbits, numerous bird species and, in the warmer months a multitude of butterflies.   A Park permit is required to use the trails.
Want a shorter hiking excursion? Park next to the Hopewell Church, located just a quarter mile south of the ranger station on Hwy 128, and enjoy the quarter mile westerly leading path to the replica of Waconda Springs. The elevated view from the replica provides expansive park and lake vistas.  ​​​
View GE State Park Trails
Glen Elder State Park also provides several miles of maintained roads, both paved and gravel, that wind throughout the park and the lake's north shore.  The park is well-maintained, including roads and roadsides. Vehicular traffic is normally light sans for 4th of July and Labor Day; low speeds are strictly enforced on all roads, year-round allowing bikers and hikers to feel safe while out and about. Likewise, the park’s many acres of camping and wildlife areas and miles of shoreline provide ample opportunity to just “walk across the land” while enjoying nature, solitude and quiet.
A panaramic photo of the dam road looking north toward Glen Elder, Kansas on the far left and Waconda Lake on the left.
Glen Elder Dam, Waconda Lake and the Solomon Valley
Glen Elder Dam, Glen Elder, Kansas, is a favorite location for walkers, runners and bikers.  Scenically elevated along the east shore of Waconda Lake, from end to end, this mile and half paved road offers year-round opportunity. Picturesque views of the lake expand to the west and broad spaces of the Solomon River Valley stretch to the east. Expect occasional farm related and other traffic at any time; vehicular speeds are generally slow to moderate.
 
Those who would like closer proximity to the water can opt to walk or run along the base of the dam. Sidewalk-like, the lower edge of the dam offers a near smooth, debris free space to move the full length of the dam.
Waconda Lake’s southern shores and adjoining wildlife areas offer miles of hike-able shoreline and open spaces. Explore! Here you’ll find your perfect spot to commune with nature.  A mix of gravel, all-weather roads, and dirt roads (accessible only when dry) lead to many serene locations... where there is a good chance you’ll be the only one around to enjoy nature the way you want.
Cawker City causeway and dike, located just south of town, offers an elevated area to walk, run and bike. The paved causeway road bordering the west end of the lake, runs south out of town for three miles. The dike has a flat grassy top and extends east to west around Cawker’s outer city limits. These vantage points provide great views of Waconda Lake & Glen Elder Refuge area.
Chautauqua Park in Beloit, KS, provides a great area to hike or bike along or near to the banks of the Solomon River, A canopy of  towering trees provides lots of shade. The well-maintained park offers both all-weather roads and paths, and there are plenty of places, including shelters, to picnic or just relax. Need to cool off? Take a swim in the Beloit swimming pool located on the grounds.
A private biking and hiking trail is open year-round to the public, with permission, at the farm of Doug & Tracey Palen.

Located approximately 12 miles south of Glen Elder, and 8 miles east of Tipton, the trails include the:
  • Joy course route that winds through four miles of creek timberland,
  • Glory course, a nine mile single-track route stretching through cropland, pastures and more difficult timber. ​
For permission to ride the trails call:: 
The Palen Bike Trails are also noted for their annual Cruise the Blues biking event held each August.