Hiking Prairie Dog State Park Nature Trail

Trail Name: Prairie Dog State Park Nature Trail
Trailhead Location: Prairie Dog State Park
Distance: 1.5 Miles Roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Type: Out &amp; Back
Features: Wildlife, Lake
Dogs: Yes

Prairie Dog Nature Trail is an easy hiking trail in Prairie Dog State Park in northwestern Kansas. It is about 4 miles west of Norton, just off of U.S. Highway 36.

The 1.5-mile roundtrip trail has very little elevation gain and is an excellent hike for the whole family. It is also kid and dog-friendly. The first 1000 feet of the trail are concrete. Along the way, you can expect great views of Keith Sebelius Lake, but the star of the trail is the prairie dogs, which can be seen near the trailhead.

You can expect to spend about 30 to 45 minutes hiking the trail.

Prairie Dog State Park offers camping that can be reserved in advance. If you are in the area, you may want to visit Nicodemus National Historic Site, which is about an hour’s drive south.