Lawrence Riverfront Park

Lawrence, Kansas doesn’t exactly come to the mind of most folks when the subject of mountain biking comes up, but the trails that are part of this park are a real treasure, and although I stopped riding them a few years back, I still dip down onto them when i’m out on really long hikes on the levee (usually 10 miles max).
Fun, well thought out, fast, and well maintained, these trails are a blast. Few things better than a couple of laps around the loop trail which is about 10 miles if memory serves correctly, followed by a stop at Free State Brewery just across the river for a pint or two of liquid goodness and maybe a bite to eat. That’s a five-​star outing my friends.
Highly recommended. Definitely a destination worth seeking out for those considering coming over from Kansas City or Topeka. There’s a dedicated parking area for the trail and the best way to describe how to find it is to turn East at the first stop light across the river in North Lawrence and then start heading right and hugging as close to the river as you can. In a mile or so of corner turning you’ll cross the levee into an area where you can park and start your rides from there.
If you’re a mountain bike rider or like to hike the levee, get here. You won’t regret it.

This place is beautiful. I learned to love trail running on these trails, running alongside the river throughout the four seasons.
It’s so, so close to downtown Lawrence but also feels 50 miles away. Beautiful scenery, including some bald eagle sightings in the winter if you’re lucky.
Not a lot I can say other than check it out, and folks who live close enough to get here are lucky.