Flint Hills walking, cycling, riding trail inducted into national hall of fame
TOPEKA — The Flint Hills Trail State Park, a 93-mile path that carves through grasslands and prairie, earned an induction in the national Rails to Trails Conservancy's hall of fame.
The trail beat out two others in Florida and Utah by a landslide, with 80% of the vote, according to an announcement from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
'The Flint Hills Trail isn't just a path across Kansas,' said Jeffrey Bender, a region supervisor for the department. 'It's a journey through the essence of Kansas — through the land, the cultures and the endeavors of the communities.'
The trail is one of the longest rail-trails in the United States, and the longest in Kansas. It will eventually stretch 118 miles from Osawatomie to Herington. Rail-trails are multi-use paths converted from unused railway corridors.
It is the second Kansas stretch to be inducted into the Rails to Trails hall of fame. The Prairie Spirit Trail was the first major rail-to-trail in Kansas and was added to the hall of fame in 2011 during its 15th anniversary month. The 51-mile trail connects to the Flint Hills Trail, running from Ottawa to Iola.
The Kansas Legislature designated the Flint Hills Trail as a state park in 2018. In 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior recognized it as a National Recreation Trail. In 2022, Kansas received nearly $25 million in federal grant funds to improve more than 40 miles of trail.
Ryan Chao, president of the conservancy, said in a news release that the Flint Hills Trail 'has catalyzed the state's trail economy.'
'This trail stands out as a prime example of how trails bring joy, provide cultural and historic connection, and deliver economic opportunity — all critical to quality of life across America,' Chao said.
The conservancy advocates for the creation of rail-trails across the United States. One of its major projects includes the Great American Rail Trail, a still-in-progress path that will eventually span the country from Washington, D.C., to Washington state.
Flint Hills Trail users can walk, bike, hike and horseback ride on the trail. Portions are accessible by wheelchair.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the induction was an honor and 'testament to the natural beauty of our state and the commitment of Kansans who have worked to preserve it.'
'In addition to promoting healthier lifestyles, Kansas state parks contribute millions to the economy annually,' she said. 'The importance of these parks to our state's economic well-being, as well as to the quality of life of Kansans, cannot be overstated.'
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