Park Trails

Coyote Trail

This trail is just as different and unique as the other trails. On this trail, you might come across a den of coyotes with the pups playing nearby or hear a song bird yelling at them to get away from its nest in the sumac patches. A covey of northern bobwhite quail may be seen as they scatter away or an owl might be heard in the evenings while hiking along this trail. To the west of the trail, elk may be viewed in the distance.  A backpack camping area is just off the trail, where you could experience the howl of a coyote or the bugle of an elk in the twilight hours. This trail has a few obstacles that will have to be crossed such as water crossing the trail. Pets are not allowed on the trails.

Drover's Trail

The name of this trail comes from a time when cowboys drove cattle across this prairie on their way to market. You have a choice of two loops. The first small loop of .25 miles is accessible in a wheelchair or stroller. Bison often roam through this loop. In early spring, Indian paint brush decorates the trail.

The larger loop starts by crossing a small stream that is frequented by prairie wildlife. The trail continues up a hill where the rolling prairie can be viewed and hikers can imagine how the cowboys felt as they watched the prairie grasses sway in the wind. Northern harrier hawks and short-eared owls may be seen in the winter gliding overhead. There is a .25-mile white connector that can be used to shorten the hike.  If a longer hike is desired, another small white connector leads to Sandstone Trail. 

Pets are not allowed on the trails.

Gayfeather Trail

Experience what the settlers might have seen as they headed west.  On this hike, bison may be seen grazing. The trail is part of the Regal Prairie, which is named after the endangered regal fritillary butterfly. This and other butterflies can be seen resting on prairie wildflowers. Pets are not allowed on the trails.

Path of the Sky People

This trail loops through the Tzi-Sho Prairie, which is translated from the Native American Osage to "Sky People." It goes through a hard pan prairie, where the Henslow's sparrow or an upland sandpiper may be heard. Other prairie wildlife, such as badgers or white-tailed deer, may be seen. A white connector trail can be followed for about a half-mile that will cross a road and join up with Sandstone Trail to extend the hike.

Pets are not allowed on the trails.

Sandstone Trail

This trail leads to East Drywood Creek, which encompasses about a mile of a prairie headwater stream and is designated an outstanding state water resource. The stream has rocky bottoms and deep pools lined with sandstone. Bison and white-tailed deer are often viewed along the trail. This trail is also excellent for observing prairie birds like the eastern meadowlark or the dickcissel, and possibly the bell's vireo. If a shorter loop is preferred, there is a .11-mile white connecter trail. Another white connecter can be followed for a half-mile, crossing the road to join Path of the Sky People to extend the walk. Pets are not allowed on the trails.