• Download
a detailed Rail Trail Map
Phase
I of the Prairie Spirit Trail, from
Richmond to Welda, officially opened on March 30, 1996. Phase
II, from Ottawa to Richmond, opened September 1, 1998. Phase
III opened in June of 2008.
The
51-mile multi-purpose path is a twelve-foot wide trail surface.
Consisting of compacted
crushed limestone, which makes
an excellent surface for bicycles, walking, and wheelchairs.
Built
upon a railway bed, the trail grades are very moderate
and most stretches are level making this trail ideal for
maintaining steady speeds on long rides. The trail passes
over several
bridges overlooking ponds, creeks, and the Marais Des Cygne
River. Trailheads providing amenities such as restrooms
and picnic areas are located in each community along the
trail,
while rest areas with bench seating are strategically placed
along the trail.
The
rail trail is designed for non-motorized transportation and
the only motorized vehicles allowed on
the trail, other
than motorized wheelchairs, are for law enforcement,
medical emergencies and maintenance. The trail is routinely
patrolled
by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and other
local law enforcement agencies.
Inside the city limits of Garnett, Iola and Ottawa the
trail is composed of an asphalt surface with native landscaping
attractively bordering the trail. Decorative lighting
and benches have been
installed along the trail in the city of Garnett.
Trail
Permits: A per-person trail permit is required for persons
16 years and older to use the trail outside
the
city limits
of Garnett, Iola and Ottawa. Persons using the trail
within the city limits of those cities may do so free
of charge.
The cities of Garnett, Iola and Ottawa maintain the
trail with
their respective city boundaries. This maintenance
is provided in exchange for usage of the trail within those
boundaries
at no charge.
Self-pay
daily permits are $3.50 per day and may be purchased
at self-pay stations located at the Ottawa, Princeton,
Richmond, Garnett and Welda trailheads.
Annual
permits are available for $12.15 can
also be purchased any one of the following ways:
- At
the self-pay stations by filling out the needed information
and placing $12.15 in the self-pay envelope.
- Purchase
at any retail location where Kansas hunting, fishing
and state park permits are sold.
- Purchase
permits via the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
website at: www.wildlifelicense.com/ks.
- Purchase
by phone by calling 1-800-918-2877 (credit card required).
No
permit is required for persons 15 years of age or under. Trail Hours: The
Prairie Spirit Trail is open during daylight hours (outside
the city limits of Garnett, Iola and Ottawa).
Special-use
permits may be obtained for group night rides or special
events from the trail manager. These events must be approved
and planned in advance for notification of local law enforcement
agencies.
Trail
Manager: Offices
for the Prairie Spirit Trail manager are located at the Garnett
Area Chamber of Commerce in Garnett (785) 448-6767.
Facilities: Trail
restrooms are available at trailheads Princeton, Richmond,
and Welda from approximately April 15 to October 15. The
Santa Fe Depot in Garnett provides restroom facilities throughout
the year and is located near the town square in Garnett.
The depot serves as a tourism information center as well.
Picnic areas are located at each trailhead.
Camping: Camping
is prohibited along the trail corridor. However, camping
is available at the North Lake Park and Veteran’s Memorial
Park (South Lake) in Garnett on a first come, first serve
basis with self-pay stations located at each park. Both lakes
in Garnett border the trail. Camping sites with water and
electricity are available. For more information contact the
City of Garnett or the Garnett Area Chamber of Commerce,
ordownload
the City of Garnett Outdoor Fun Guide.
• Go to Email & Links
page.
Hunting & Fishing: Fishing
is allowed in designated areas along the trail while complying
with state license requirements. Fishing at either lake along
the trail in Garnett requires a city fishing permit in addition
to complying with state license requirements.
Hunting is prohibited on the trail corridor and it is unlawful
to have air guns, slingshots, bows, crossbows or firearms in
your possession.
Trail
Safety: Trail
users must follow all safety rules and regulations posted
at trailheads, permit stations and along the trail.
- Be
alert of possible changing trail and weather conditions.
Soft spots, erosion, road crossings and steep trail shoulders
may occur and may not be marked.
- Trail
traffic should stay to the right and pass to the left.
- Cyclists
and rollerbladers are encouraged to wear helmets.
- Wildlife
should be viewed and not handled
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