Geary County, Kansas — Milford Lake Trails, Paddling & Outdoor Adventure

There’s more than one way to find your path through Geary County. Some trails skirt the water, while others drop into wooded ravines or wind along riverbanks. And when the land runs out, the journey can continue by paddle. However you choose to explore, Geary County gives you room to make the outdoors your own.

Milford Lake sits at the heart of the outdoor experience. Kansas’ largest lake stretches 15,700 acres with 163 miles of shoreline, and some of its best views are found along the trails that surround it. At Milford State Park, Eagle Ridge Trail carries hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders across more than six miles of varied terrain.

Not every outing needs to cover miles. Nearby, Crystal Trail winds for just over two miles through forests, an old quarry and open fields known for wildlife viewing. Near the Milford Nature Center, Tallgrass Nature Trail offers a gentler walk through wooded areas, native prairie grasses and past a scenic pond. About 30 minutes south, Geary State Fishing Lake offers another quick adventure, where a short hike along Geary Falls Trail leads to a waterfall.

The connection between Milford Lake and Junction City continues along the Republican River. The 4.8-mile Riverwalk Trail follows the river on a crushed-limestone surface used by walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. At its western end near Milford Lake Outlet, the Riverwalk Trail connects with Old River Bluff Trail, which continues toward Milford State Park. Together, the trails create a longer route that can be explored from either direction. In winter, the river corridor is also a notable place to watch for bald eagles.

And in Geary County, the journey doesn’t have to stay on dry land. From Milford Lake, paddlers can make their way beneath the Highway 77 bridge and into Farnum Creek, where the open water gradually narrows beneath overhanging oak and sycamore trees. The Farnum Creek Paddle offers a different kind of trail, with high banks, shaded water and frequent chances to spot wildlife along the way.

For a longer water adventure, Junction City marks the beginning of the 173-mile Kansas River Water Trail. From Grant Park, paddlers enter the Republican River and travel about one-third of a mile to meet the Smoky Hill River. There, the two rivers come together to form the Kansas River. From there, the Kaw carries the journey east toward Kansas City, with public access points along the way that make it possible to plan anything from a day on the water to a much longer adventure.

Even a quick stop can bring you closer to nature. The Junction City Wetlands Trail winds less than a mile through native wetland habitat, leading to an observation area and extended pier over the water. It’s an easy stop for birders, families or travelers looking to stretch their legs and spend a little time outside during a long drive. It’s a reminder that some of the best outdoor moments can happen just minutes from town.

That variety is what makes Geary County worth exploring. In a single day, you can follow a trail beneath the trees, paddle open water and watch the sun settle over the Flint Hills. There’s no single way to experience the outdoors here and that is exactly the point.

Come find your trail in Geary County and make it your own.

SAFETY NOTE BEFORE YOU PADDLE

River conditions can change, so a little preparation goes a long way. Before launching, check water levels, reservoir releases and weather conditions, and always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Paddling with others is also recommended.