Perry Lake Trail: Explore rugged, forested terrain in eastern Kansas
The Perry Lake Trail, near Ozawkie, Kansas, covers rolling, steep and rugged terrain along the shore of the reservoir.
A loop trail, mostly on U.S. Corps of Engineers land, leads hikers through Ozark-type topography along the lakeshore.
Trail Perry Lake Trail (also referred to as The Old Military Trail)
Overview
Ready to get remote? Perry Lake is an 11,500-acre reservoir about 25 miles northeast of Lawrence, Kansas. The Perry Lake Trail (also called The Old Military Trail) is a 29-mile loop following the shoreline of a peninsula on the lake’s eastern side. After a few minutes on the trail, sounds of civilization recede and you realize you’re “all in” with nature. This trail explores what is sometimes called Kansas’ “Little Ozarks,” a hilly area that was previously a valley of the Delaware River. The area is surprisingly scenic, from the rocky lakeshore to steep, forested bluffs. According to AllTrails, total elevation gain on the full 29-miles is more than 2,000 feet. The northern end of the trail, accessed by the Old Military Trailhead, is known for its steep inclines. This remote area lends itself to wildlife, so have your camera, phone or binoculars ready. Very few people will hike the entire loop, so you can pick a section and hike and out-and-back. Primitive camping is not allowed on the trail, but hikers can camp at established campsites that intersect the trail. The Perry Lake Trail (Old Military Trail) is different from the more well-known mountain bike trails on the western side of the lake.
Length 29-mile loop. To shorten the hike, create your own out-and-back or exit the trail at an intersecting campsite or crossroads.
Address and location We recommend beginning your hike at the Old Military Trailhead on Ferguson Road (see trailhead map below). There is ample parking. At this trailhead, you’ll find a gated, asphalt road in disrepair (this is not the trail). The natural surface trail is marked with a sign; enter here to walk toward the lakeshore.
Distance This trailhead is about 1 hour from Downtown Kansas City.
Conditions This single-track dirt trail is steep and rugged. The northern section is well marked and maintained. Beyond this, we cannot vouch for the condition of the full 29 miles. Because of the density of the forest, fall, winter and spring are the best seasons to minimize ticks, bugs and poison ivy.
Kid friendly? Kids will need to be up for a strenuous hike.
How busy? This is a remote trail, so you’ll likely encounter few people. The lake is a popular boating destination, so you may see and hear boat traffic on the reservoir.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Prohibited (however there are numerous mountain bike trails on the west side of the lake).
Trailhead: Old Military Trail, Perry Lake