Hiking Kansas: Big Hill Lake Horse Trail – The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail is a 17-mile hiking and horseback riding trail that (mostly) goes around Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas.

The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail is heavily wooded in most sections, making it perfect for those who love playing in the woods.

About Big Hill Lake

Big Hill Lake is operated and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. It’s located about 15 miles west of Parsons; five miles east of Cherryvale; and about five miles south of Highway 400 at Dennis.

The area is known as “The Little Ozarks” because of its resemblance to the Missouri/Arkansas Ozarks.

Big Hill Lake has five park areas for camping, picnicking, day use, and other outdoor activities.

It’s a beautiful area no matter what time of year you visit.

Hiking the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail

There are a few trailheads along the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, but the best place to start your hike is at the Rea Bridge.

At Rea Bridge, you can choose from four options to hike. All sections come to this bridge.

Hiking to the North Camp from Rea Bridge gives you a loop option that will be about 10 miles.

The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail is a single-track, well-maintained trail that’s cleared enough for two people to walk side-by-side in a few sections. It’s a dirt surface which may be slick during wet weather, but dusty in dry conditions.

Ravines and a few water crossings make the terrain hilly. The trail goes along the shore but only gives you occasional views of the lake because of the foliage.

There are a few sections that go right up to the water and give you incredible views of the lake.

If you love hiking in the woods, the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail should be on your bucket list! It’s a fun trail that’s challenging because of the hills, and rewarding because of the scenery!

Safe travels!

Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas

Essential Info about the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail

Location: The Big Hill Lake Horse Trail is a 17-mile hiking and horseback riding trail that goes around Big Hill Lake, located near Parsons and Cherryvale.

Fees: No day use fees. There are camping fees if you’re staying overnight.

Dogs: Allowed, must be leashed

Activities: Hiking and Horseback Riding

Trail Construction: Natural surface, loop options (linear if you’re hiking it in sections)

Trail Length:

• West Rea Bridge to Cherryvale Camp: 4.5 miles
• West Rea Bridge to North Camp: 5.5 miles
• East Rea Bridge to North Camp: 4.5 miles
• East Rea Bridge to Timber Hill Camp: 2.5 miles

Total Length Available: 17 miles (34 if you hike from beginning to end and back again); loop options are available

Seasons: Open all year.

Camping: No camping on the hiking trail. There are campgrounds around Big Hill Lake. There are three areas equipped with tethering for horses that offer limited facilities to overnight hikers and trail riders.

Features: Heavily Wooded, Ravines, Hills, Lake Views, Wildlife

Historic Significance: Construction of Big Hill Lake began on April 15, 1974, and the project was completed for full flood control operation in March 1981.

According to the park’s website:

Big Hill Lake is named after a band of Osage Indians called Big Hill that settled in the area between 1822 and 1839. Their village was a few miles northwest of the lake’s current location. Their leader was Pa-In-No-Pa-She (Not Afraid of Longhairs), but he was known as Big Hill Joe by white settlers. After years of peaceful living, the Big Hills were relocated to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) by the U.S. Government in 1872.

Website: https://www.swt.usace.army.mil/Locations/Tulsa-District-Lakes/Kansas/Big-Hill-Lake/

Other Kansas Hiking Trails you may like:

The Bridle Trail at Lake Scott State Park

Sand Hills State Park

Prairie Trail at Kanopolis State Park