Sedgwick County Park Outer Loop

Sedgwick County Park offers multiple parking areas throughout the park. Since the Outer Loop circles the entire park, you can typically find convenient parking near various access points. There isn't one single designated trailhead parking lot, allowing you to start your hike from different locations around the loop.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! You are welcome to bring your furry friends, but please ensure they are kept on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

The Sedgwick County Park Outer Loop is accessible year-round. Its paved surface makes it a reliable option even in colder months, as it's often one of the first paths to be cleared of ice and snow. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer can be warm but still enjoyable, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Winter hiking is also a good option when other trails might be impassable.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Sedgwick County Park or to hike the Outer Loop trail. The park is free and open to the public.

The Outer Loop is approximately 6.7 kilometers (4 miles) long. For an average hiker, it typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete the entire loop, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The trail is primarily a paved asphalt path, making it very smooth and easy to navigate. It features minimal elevation changes, with only about 2.5 meters (8 feet) of elevation gain and descent over the entire loop. This flat, accessible surface is suitable for hikers, runners, cyclists, and even rollerbladers.

Absolutely! The Outer Loop is considered an easy route due to its paved surface and minimal elevation changes. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners, families with young children, and individuals of all fitness levels looking for an accessible and pleasant outdoor experience.

As you hike the Outer Loop, you'll experience diverse scenery within the 480-acre park. The trail wraps around several sandpit lakes, including Horseshoe Lake, Moss Lake, and Tom Scott Lake, offering scenic water views. You'll also pass through open prairie, along a narrow slough, and some sections provide a nice canopy of trees. The park features a mix of field and forestland.

Yes, one notable feature along the route is the Covered Bridge in Sedgwick County Park, which adds a charming touch to the landscape. Beyond the trail itself, the larger park offers amenities like a large playground (including the Boundless playground), tennis courts, and areas for RC boats.

Yes, for your convenience, water fountains and restrooms are available at various points along the trail within Sedgwick County Park. These amenities make it easier to enjoy longer outings without worry.

While hiking the Outer Loop, you might spot various birds, and there's a particular winding section known for an abundance of red squirrels. While not directly on the Outer Loop, other parts of the larger Sedgwick County Park are home to bison, so be aware of your surroundings if exploring beyond the paved path.

While the paved trail itself is very safe, hikers are advised to avoid walking in the grass adjacent to the path due to the potential presence of sand burrs and goat head stickers. These can be uncomfortable for both people and pets.