After riding and seeing a fairly new nature trail that has an end in Topeka, I found three other city trails nearby. They described below.

1. Landon Nature Trail
2. Shunga trail
3. Deer Creek Trail
4. Shawnee Lake Trail

1. Landon Nature Trail (10 miles open). This lane-to-trail (still under development to the south) begins at 15th and Monroe streets, off of Brown v. Historic Board of Education building and a public park. Basically, this trail runs north-south, and will be 38 miles long when completed at the Lomax Junction site, just west of Pomona, KS. Although this trail is being built mostly with private donations, it is done under the Kansas Rail Trail Conservancy. Topeka handles the portion within the city limits.

Its first mile from 15th to 25th streets is paved with double-width concrete. From there it gets pretty rough for about 3 miles, with a mixed surface of dirt, grass, sand, rock, and crushed granite rock. Apparently this section is like that because three short bike-walking bridges are yet to be finished. A room has just been completed. Still, this section is passable. Current plans are to pave another mile of this section.

This section ends at the dead end intersection of Terra and Sanneman Drives (around 50th St.). From there the surface gets pretty smooth (packed dirt, limestone and gravel) all the way to Croco Rd near 77th Street. This 6 mile section is easy and fun to ride. Any large crushed rocks there have been leveled up to the edges of the trail. Then, on Croco Road, a prominent NO TRESPASSING sign blocks southbound passage (temporarily closed under development). This section heads toward Clinton Lake, where there are many deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

The Landon is truly a nature trail outside of the urban area. Several bridges cross streams, ditches, and wetlands. Various plants and bushes fill the corridor, making the path quite narrow at times. Numerous squirrels, rabbits and birds can also be seen.

However, actual trails are scarce, except for Brown v. Board Ed. Bldg. (restrooms), Herrman’s on 53rd Street, a newsstand in Berryton, and parking near Croco Road. Restrooms are available in the parks and public places along South Kansas Avenue and Topeka Blvd, which line the west side of the trail for the first 5 miles, until the trail turns southeast toward Clinton Lake. Two convenience stores are also located along the trailhead at 37th and 45th Streets. To be safe, passengers should carry their own food and water past these points.

two. Shunga Trail (7 miles). This seven-mile east-west trail crosses the Landon two blocks south of 15th Street via a paved roundabout. It’s easy to take from Landon or the other way around. Its double-wide paved path follows the north side of the heavily wooded Shunganunga Stream, winding through several well-appointed parks, tall grassy pastures, and flower gardens. Most of this trail exists on the west side of Landon where you have at least three trail side water features. It also passes under major streets, thoroughfares, and busy railroad crossings. The west end sits on the other side of Crestview Park on Fairlawn Road (around 28th Street). There are also places to eat nearby including fast food, BBQ, burgers, deli and bagels.

3. Deer Creek Trail (1 to 2 miles). This short, double-wide road runs east from Golden Avenue and then curves south to 6th Street. This trail is just 1 1/2 miles from the northeast end of Shunga at 10th Street and three miles north of the Lake Shawnee Dam and trail around it. Therefore, riders can do all of these trails at once with minimal street riding. Riders can also load their bikes into their vehicles and drive to each one separately, if they prefer.

Four. Shawnee Lake Trail (7 miles). This triple-width seven-mile trail skirts the edge of Lake Shawnee and its golf course. Therefore, it has numerous curves and gentle rolling hills. A hill on the south side is quite steep, but it is also short. Restrooms at the main trailhead located 1 1/4 miles SW of the dam are open year-round with running water and heat. Therefore, it is an ideal trail to use in conjunction with Shunga and Deer Creek when there is deep snow on the ground. The city erases them.

This trail has many waterfowl and red squirrels, often seen and possibly fed by park visitors. Cafes (fast, pizza, barbecue, Mexican, coffee) also exist on the NE side of the trail, in the commercial strips near 29th and Croco Road, not far from the eastern end of the dam.

In short, riders can ride each of these trails individually or all at once. Many ride them both ways. If each is done separately in both directions, the total distance is 50 miles. If they are done collectively through some streets, the total distance is 60 miles. All of these trails are open to the public, free of charge. That alone is worth something.

Check out the following sites for more information on Topeka or Kansas trails.