Elk River Trail East Trailhead - Hiking area in Independence - , USA

Parked here but hiked west-east based on some recommendations. Probably would go E-W next time as miles 1-9ish are tougher in my opinion. Nice parking lot. Great trail with excellent blazing. You won't get off trail.

The trail conditions are near perfect right now. There was no mud anywhere, but this means minimal water is available for collecting/filtering. There are multiple places for tent camping along the trail if that is your style.

We did a total of 14 miles on this trail - 7 in and 7 out - in about 8.5 hours. Woke up early to try and beat the heat. I recommend NOT doing this trail in late June like we did. The bug population is terrible (I inhaled at least 10 bugs), the heat is grueling and there was no breeze at all. If you do go in the heat, bring as much water as you can carry. We ran out near the end and were on the brink of complete exhaustion. This trail is a constant up and down and has a bunch of neat rock formations along the way. A unique trail for Kansas, just beware of the heat and the bugs. Follow the blue paint to stay on trail.

The Elk RIver Trail is a great, although quite rugged in spots hiking trail that you wouldn't expect to find in Kansas! There is a water source at this trailhead. The east trailhead has more parking than the other trailheads (west and central). However, I could fill up quickly on a busy day.

What a beautiful place to take a long hike with my little Molly-moo...peaceful and quiet...no noise but the call of birds, insects and a panting dog-o 🐕...next time we take snacks and bug 🐛 spray!

Did the full 30 in 1 day. Pro-tip I wish I knew, start at the far west trailhead so you have a good water refill at the 15 mile mid-way point. There is a well at the east trailhead, that's the only clean water on the trail. Depending on the time of year the streams can be mostly dried up, if they are flowing and you have a filter there are plenty you cross along with being alongside the muddy lake/inlet. Absolutely beautiful trail, the best Kansas has to offer.

This is actually for the west trail. The east one is the one that connects to the overlook. Depending on which side you start at the part twords the dam is great and most of it is like the photo I uploaded. It follows the coast line of the lake. The trail is clearly marked, well maintained, and easily followed. It is a very long hike if you do the whole route. A few great over looks from cliffs. Beautiful any time of year. Dont forget tick repellant in mid to late spring thru late fall.

Beautiful trail. Lots of great photo opportunities