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Nature|Waterfalls

10 Breathtaking Kansas Waterfalls Just Waiting To Be Discovered

Discover ten breathtaking hidden waterfalls in Kansas, each offering unique scenic beauty.

Updated Feb 17, 2021

Written by 

Annie

Here at Only In Kansas, we have a ton of state pride -- and we also like to set the record straight. While The Sunflower State is indeed full of flat plains and cornfields, there's also a ton of hidden beauty here; you just need to know where to look. Here's where to look. This list has 10 of most breathtaking Kansas waterfalls -- all hiding and just waiting to be discovered!

1. Elk Falls

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Flickr/Frank Thompson Photos

Elk Falls (population 107) isn't just "The World's Largest Living Ghost Town," it is also the "World's Largest AND Most Beautiful Living Ghost Town" with its stunning views of the Elk River and waterfall.

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Learn more in our previous article

here.

2. Overland Park Arboretum

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Friends of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens/Facebook

Enjoy beautiful blooms and the sounds of this tranquil waterfall at this oasis in the city.

Learn more in our previous article

here.

3. Drinkwater & Schriver Flour Mill - Cedar Point

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Kansas Travel

The 1875 Mill, located on the Cottonwood River, looks like something you'd see in a pastel painting.

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4. Cedar Creek Falls -Olathe

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Flickr/brent flanders

There's speculation over whether or not the waterfall is "natural" or not (or whether it had a little human help,) but one thing is for sure: these falls are stunning!

5. Lawrence

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Flickr/David DeHetre

Dam...Just look at those flowing waters from Bowersock!

6. Emporia

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Flickr/Brent

This small Emporia waterfall receives its flow from the Cottonwood River.

7. Chase Lake Falls - Cottonwood Falls

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Flickr/Brent

These falls are an unexpected treasure you'll find when visiting this rural town.

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Learn more in our previous article

here.

8. Pillsbury Crossing - Riley County

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Flickr/Vincent Parsons

Fun Fact: Pioneers used the natural limestone slab at the top of the falls to cross Deep Creek.

Learn more in our previous article

here.

9. Cowley Lake - Dexter

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AARP/Creative Commons

This incredible waterfall has made several national "Must See" lists (including AARP, Yahoo, and Most Amazing in the World!)

Learn more in our previous article

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here.

10. Kanopolis Lake

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Flickr/Steven Rodriguez

In addition to the gorgeous waters, Kanopolis State Park is home to the amazing Dakota sandstone bluffs and Horsethief Canyon caves.

Learn more in our previous article

here.

Which of these locations is your favorite? Let us knowing the comments below!

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Indian Creek Bike Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Kansas

Published Jul 10, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

While we're not exactly known for our waterfalls in Kansas, we do have some wonderful cascades that are quite beautiful. A few of them are quite easily accessible with no hiking necessary, but we also have some great waterfall trails here. One of our favorites is the Indian Creek Bike Trail in Leawood, KS. This is a lengthy trail, at nearly 16 miles out and back, but it's got some beautiful scenery and even contains an adorable little waterfall! Check it out:

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Leawood City Park is a sprawling 66-acre park with tons of amenities to enjoy, like an aquatic center, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, soccer fields, and more.

A wooden bridge arches over a path surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Paul Fyffe/AllTrails

It's also one of the end points for the Indian Creek Bike Trail, which runs 13.7 miles to nearby Alex George Park.

A wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Michael Edinger/AllTrails

This is a great trail for those seeking somewhere fun to bike, but the paved surface also makes it ideal for wheelchair users or those bringing along young kids in strollers.

A sunny park scene with a winding path, green grass, trees, and a pond under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Michael Edinger/AllTrails

You'll enjoy great creek views, and even catch a glimpse of an adorable little waterfall!

A serene river scene with a small waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky banks under a clear blue sky.
Jessy Wang/AllTrails

Come during quiet hours and you may even catch a glimpse of furry friends like deer or wild rabbits.

A deer stands on a grassy path surrounded by trees and foliage in a sunny outdoor setting.
Donnie Hughes/AllTrails

This is such a laid back stroll, and while it's not heavily wooded, it does have enough tree cover to provide some shade.

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
Zemin Hu/AllTrails

Next time you're looking for a waterfall trail in Leawood, KS that won't take too much effort, this might be a good option.

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A smooth, winding concrete path through a lush green landscape under a clear blue sky.
Zemin Hu/AllTrails

For more information about this waterfall trail in Leawood, KS, check out our friends at AllTrails.

Are you a big fan of hiking in Kansas? If you're looking to find more trails to explore, you may want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. Benefits like live sharing of your location and wrong-turn alerts will help keep you safe on all your outdoor adventures.

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Nature|Waterfalls

You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Kansas Trail

Published May 28, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Here in the Sunflower State, we're better known for our plains and rock formations than we are for our waterfalls. Sure, there are waterfalls in Kansas, but our relatively flat terrain means we don't have the towering cascades you can find in other states. However, there are plenty of great waterfall hikes that are perfect to check out. We might not be home to anything resembling Niagara Falls, but that doesn't mean we don't have some beautiful waterfalls that are lovely in their own right! One of our favorite waterfall trails in Iola, KS is the Backbone Trail at Lehigh Portland State Park. Let's check it out:

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Lehigh Portland State Park has a pretty incredible past. This was once a cement plant and it's now one of the newest state parks in the Sunflower State.

A serene lake scene with shimmering water, a distant tree line, and a bright sun in a clear sky.
Shaenelle Waldo/AllTrails

The 100-acre park has an array of landscapes within its borders. Marshes, woods, prairies, and even a cave are all here, making this a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors.

A dirt path through a wooded area, marked by wooden signs on a tree. Lush greenery surrounds the trail.
Julie Jacquinot/AllTrails

The 2.4-mile out-and-back Backbone Trail is one of the park's most popular hikes. Due to its lack of elevation gain, it's considered to be an easy trail.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by trees, with a sign visible on a nearby tree. Cloudy sky in the background.
Julie Jacquinot/AllTrails

In total, the trail takes about 45 minutes for most hikers to complete. It's a lovely trail, with a variety of views that include a glimpse of a tiny little waterfall!

A serene river scene with a small waterfall, surrounded by greenery and trees under a blue sky.
Dirk Sorenson/AllTrails

There are several peaceful overlooks you'll pass along the route.

A red metal bridge spans a small body of water, surrounded by greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
Michelle StClair/AllTrails

This is such a peaceful, easy waterfall trail in Iola, KS that's perfect for an adventure in any season.

A serene lakeside view with trees, a clear blue sky, and cut tree stumps on the ground.
Michelle StClair/AllTrails

For more information about this great waterfall trail at Lehigh Portland State Park, check out our friends at AllTrails. If you're an avid hiker in Kansas, you may want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. This invaluable resource has wonderful benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions to prevent you from getting lost on the trails.

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