photo by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

A section of the Flint Hills trail in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Friday announced the completion and opening of a newly improved section of the Flint Hills Trail State Park in Franklin County.

The 2.3-mile segment, west of Ottawa between Louisiana Terrace and Iowa Road, will officially open to the public on May 17.

Visitors will be able to enjoy uninterrupted travel along 93 miles of continuous trail from Osawatomie to Council Grove — offering expanded access to one of the longest rail-trails in the United States, while also increasing safety and connecting trail-goers to the Flint Hills, according to KDWP’s Friday news release.

photo by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

A section of the Flint Hills Trail in Kansas.

The project was made possible through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant awarded and administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Construction included a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail surface, a pedestrian bridge over the BNSF Railway and improvements to three existing bridges.

The enhancements provide a smoother trail experience and improve user safety by allowing visitors to cross railroad tracks safely and eliminating the need for a 3.4-mile detour on county roads.

“The Flint Hills Trail is a shining example of how Kansas continues to invest in meaningful outdoor spaces,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy in the release. “With every completed section, we’re not just building trail — we’re connecting communities, expanding recreation access, and helping more Kansans experience the natural beauty of our state.”

KDWP has long-range plans to develop the trail along its full length as funding becomes available.