The Willkomm Trail loops the meandering Kaw River

Get off the beaten path and dip your toes in Kansas’ unofficial beach.

Trail The Willkomm Trail, Perry, Kan.

Overview
The Willkomm Trail (German for “welcome”) is a remote respite for nature lovers. Immediately south of the small town of Perry, this 1.5-mile loop gently explores pristine Riparian forest on its way to the shoreline of the Kaw (Kansas) River. The Kaw has numerous sandbars along its 150-mile journey, and the Willkomm is home to one of these Midwest “beaches.” Only a few hundred yards east of the trail, the Delaware River pours into the Kaw. The location is prime for wildlife viewing, mushroom hunting and simply absorbing the quiet of the Kaw Valley. Since this trail is less than an hour’s walk, it may not be a solo destination. But there are plenty of other eastern and central Kansas hikes nearby to fill a full day with nature.

• Drive Time It’s 55 minutes from Downtown Kansas City.

• Length The loop is 1.5 miles long.

• Address and location
  The address is simply “County Road, Perry, Kan., 66073.” Once you reach Perry, take Front Street to County Road, then head south on a gravel road for about one mile. There is a gravel parking lot at the entrance as well as a trailhead sign.

• Conditions This is a sandy, dirt path. However, elevation changes are minimal and it’s easy to navigate. When it rains or snows, it will be muddy and slick.

• Kid friendly? Children will need to be able to walk (it’s not stroller friendly), but the trail is short and easy. The sandbar could be delightful to kids, but parents will need to mindful that the Kaw is a large river with a strong current.

• How busy? This trail, on our first visit, was surprisingly well-trafficked by spring mushroom hunters. Given its remote location, we assume that most of the time it’s a quiet place.

• Pets Yes, on a leash, unless stated otherwise..

• Website City of Perry, Kan.