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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.
The 33-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 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.
Upon completion of the third phase, the Prairie Spirit Rail
Trail will span from Ottawa to Iola, Kansas and total more than
50 miles. The Prairie Spirit Trail is operated under the management
of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
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 and Ottawa. Persons using the trail
within the city limits of Garnett and Ottawa may do so
free of charge. The cities of Garnett 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 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). 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, or download
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.
- Wildife should be viewed and not handled.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the trail at all times.
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