Perry State Park

Closest Major City: Perry

Distance: 15.00 miles (24.14 KM)

Description:
This set of trails is carved through classic Kansas hardwood forest, and their young age shows in that there has not been as much erosion. They are cut through the bluffs and wooded hillsides surrounding the Perry Lake, offering opportunities for viewing wildlife, colorful vegetation, and fabulous lake vistas. Also, these were designed specifically as mountain bike trails so they are more fun. And of course, you can find a challenging ride here; the trails are coded: Blue-marked trails are a little easier than the routes marked in white, although this is not always true. For the ultimate Perry experience, take the Skyline entrance to the right of the Self Pay Station, take turnoffs on the Great White and Mad Mile trails, and then take a right at the Logan's Run entrance. Bottom that out at Grasshopper Point (extreme North end of system), finishing on the Copperhead trail. Hook up with the Twin Peaks, take back south to Blackfoot, and then back to Skyline again, where you'll take a LEFT, running the Skyline loop clockwise so that you come out at your car right where you entered at. If you aren't tired after this, then you can call yourself "Barney Badass" and mean it. These trails are the best you'll find in Kansas. Just make sure you have a helmet and you strap it on when you head out here. Bring water too.

Directions to the trail:
This trail system is on the west side of Perry lake just north of the state park and very close to the west (DJ's Rock Creek) marina. The town of Perry lies on U.S. Hwy 24. Travel a couple miles west of Perry on U.S. 24 to Kansas Hwy 237 North and look for: 1.) A brown and white sign for Perry State Park and 2.) a semi trailer that has been used as a sign pointing you in the direction of "DJ's Rock Creek Marina." Turn right (north) and head up K237 for 5.4 miles beyond the State Park. Travel straight through park towards DJ's Rock Creek Marina. Cross the bridge and get ready to turn right. You will immediately see a carved wooden sign on the east side of the road that points down Kimberly Drive towards the trails (just opposite the sign for DJ's Marina pointing West). Go straight east on this road just under half a mile to just before the 90 degree turn to the north where you will then see the parking lot and trail head. From Ozawkie, take the first paved road on the west side of town that runs south from Kansas Hwy 97. This is K237, though it is not clearly marked (in this dang state, most things aren't), which will take you right to the turn-off for the trails if you stay on the pavement. Watch for the signs for "State Park" and "Perry Lake Bicycle and Hiking Trails."