Flint Hills Nature Trail

[aggie]

Thinking of incorporating the Flint Hills Nature Trail in a tour later in the spring and I'm wondering if anyone has used this trail.  If so what are your thoughts and impressions.

[John Nettles]

A couple of years ago, a few of us were considering it as part of a tour from Tulsa to the Katy Trail in Missouri.  After speaking with someone connected to the FHNT it sounded like it was, then at least, still fairly rough, i.e. original ballast, etc.  so we decided against it.  You might consider calling them for an update as it did seem like a potentially good trail.

John

[SprocketWeasel]

Having ridden the FHNT last fall here are my thoughts & suggestions.  It was a great trip overall, you will enjoy it with a few preparations.  1) This is "goat head" territory (a bane for cycle tourists).  Among the six who went, only those with Schwalby Marathon tires didn't flat.  I flatted 3 times (including my BOB trailer). 
You are in the flint hills and it is remote (which is the point of the adventure).  2) Food and water can be scarce in places.  A couple of water bottles won't cut it.  I had a Camel Bak in addition to bottles and did fine.  Bring lunch and snacks.  The small towns, if they did have a cafe, were closed when we got there.

Concerning the development of the trail, all of the trail is fine to navigate. That said, there are a few sections (about 4 miles) of RR ballast not covered.  We let air out of our tires (mine was involuntary with slow leaks) and the ride was just fine.

I would go again, in a heart beat!  Amazing views and a "bucket list" caliber adventure, like none other.
When you go, it is open range and not a good idea to chase the cows!     

[kscyclist]

We rode the trail from Council Grove to Bushong last summer.  Lots of scenery and wildlife.  The only concerns we had were broken tree limbs on the trail that we moved to the side, one short narrow area due to bushes needing to be trimmed/removed. We went single file at that location.  The last concern was a sandy area at a road crossing.  These concerns were minor and we would ride the trail again. We did not have any flats.  There are places to eat at Council Grove, a grocery store and historical places to check out.  The section west of Council Grove is pretty much undeveloped from what we could see. 

[kscyclist]

Updates on the trail should be available on their website:  http://kanzatrails.org/news/1-9-million-transportation-alternatives-grant-for-flint-hills-nature-trail/