This Olathe trail begins at a waterfall, then plunges into the forest
Lake Olathe Falls on Cedar Creek at the trailhead on Dennis Avenue in Olathe, Kansas.
Cedar Creek Trail starts at the inlet to Lake Olathe, then follows the stream as it meanders through bottomland forest.
Trail Cedar Creek Trail (sometimes referred to as South Cedar Creek Trail)
Overview
Cedar Creek Trail begins at the bridge over Lake Olathe on Dennis Avenue. You can access the trail from both sides of the street via paved paths that lead down to lake level. But before you head south, be sure to take in the waterfall that’s visible from the Dennis Avenue bridge. You get an overhead view from the bridge, but you can also observe it from the trail itself. (Note: In hot, dry weather, the falls may be reduced to a trickle; in times of high rain, the falls can thunder.) From here, the trail heads south through a forest grove and follows Cedar Creek. Soybean fields can sporadically be viewed to the south and west. Though generally flat, this paved trail has a few steep grades, characterized as of low-moderate difficulty. You may see deer, heron and other local wildlife on the quiet of this trail. Sycamores, cottonwoods and walnut trees comprise much of the bottomland forest that blankets the trail. As of this writing, the trail ends south of Old 56 Highway before it reaches a rail line. Construction is underway to add an additional mile to the trail, connecting it to Cedar Lake.
Length The paved trail is currently 1.8-miles out and back (for a total of 3.6 miles).
Address and location This northern trailhead is approximately at the intersection of 143rd Street and S. Palmer Drive in Olathe. Parking is not intuitive and is not immediately adjacent to the trailhead. There are three parking options:
The gravel lot north of the intersection of 143rd St. and S. Palmer Drive.
The circle drive in the fishing area on S. Wardcliff Drive.
If you want to park near the southern terminus of the trail, there is a gated entrance on the shoulder of eastbound Old 56 Highway
Fishing area parking on Wardcliff Drive
Parking in gravel lot of 143rd Street
Eastbound Old 56 Highway Entrance
Conditions This is a wide paved trail with minor-moderate elevation changes in a few spots.
Kid friendly? This trail is wide and can accommodate strollers and children’s bikes. Parents should be mindful of bike traffic.
How busy? This trail is moderately trafficked.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes.
