Hike the Fort Larned History & Nature Trail

Kansas is known for sunflowers, a common plant found on the prairie.

NPS Photo/Nathan King

Echoes of the Past

The sandstone buildings on Fort Larned’s quadrangle have survived to the present in part because of their sturdy and careful construction. Most frontier military buildings were not such high quality. In fact, many of Fort Larned’s buildings were built out of weaker materials such as adobe or wood. These structures, though once vital to the post, have not survived.

As you explore Fort Larned’s History and Nature Trail, imagine the full scale of the living post: a mail station, corrals, stables, stores, and offices amid a stream of countless passing wagons.

Getting Started

The nature trail is a one-mile loop, half on a mowed path, and half on a gravel road. There is no significant elevation change along the trail. The entire trail may be completed at a leisurely pace in about half an hour. You can pick up a trail guide at the Visitor Center, or use the Guided Tour on the Fort Larned section of the NPS App for information along the way.

Please keep the following in mind as you explore the trail:

• Please leave the park as you find it. Collecting or disturbing any park resource is prohibited.
• Upon returning from the trail, hikers are advised to check for ticks. Certain species of ticks can carry life-threatening diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Venomous snakes such as the prairie rattlesnake are uncommon at Fort Larned, but may be present. Be alert! If you hear a rattlesnake, stop, identify the location of the snake, and back away slowly. Do not attempt to harm or kill any snakes. All wildlife is protected in the park.

Details

Duration

45-60 Minutes

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Age(s)

5 and Older

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be leashed at all times while on the History & Nature Trail.

Activity Fee

No

There is no entrance fee for Fort Larned NHS.

Location

Fort Larned National Historic Site

The History and Nature Trail is located to the east of the historic buildings complex. It follows the outline of the dry oxbow, which was once part of the Pawnee River.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

While this activity is available year round during the park's open hours, keep in mind that Kansas summers can be very hot, and the winters very cold. See our Weather page for more informaiton about the Kansas climate.

Time of Day

Day

The History & Nature Trail closes the same time the park grounds close. Rangers start closing the historic buildings at 4:30 pm and the front gate is locked at 5 pm. Please do not start your walk on the trail if you do not have enough time to finish before the gate is closed.

Accessibility Information

The nature trail is a one-mile loop, half on a mowed path, and half on a gravel road. There is no significant elevation change along the trail. There are sections along the mowed path portion of the trail where the ground is relatively rough, making it difficult for wheelchair passage.