The Catclaw Trail and Post Oak Trail are hiking and mountain biking trails located on the east side of Fall River Lake, Kansas, in the Quarry Bay area. The two trails combined are 2.5 miles and take you through diverse landscapes.
Fall River Lake is on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills and has some characteristics of the Cross Timbers region. These two hiking trails cover a small area but give you the experience of both regions.
There are two access points for the Catclaw Trail, one is across the road from the park’s maintenance building, and another is located in the Quarry Bay park area by the covered picnic tables.
The Post Oak trailhead is next to the maintenance building across the street from the parking lot.
The Catclaw Trail
I started my hike at the Catclaw trailhead by the parking lot across from the maintenance building. I went right on the gravel trail which is also the very short Overlook Trail. The Overlook Trail is an ADA trail that leads to a wooden deck that looks over the bottomlands and lake below.
Once I got past the overlook, the path became a mowed grass. The trail bends around the side of a hill which gives you a great view of the bottomlands and lake below.
The trail follows near the road but you can’t see any vehicles as you’re walking.
It eventually descends to the bottomlands area and the terrain becomes flat and wooded.
Not long after reaching the bottomlands, I came up to a bridge which lead to the ¾-mile Bluestem Trail. The Bluestem trail is a loop trail that comes right back to it’s starting point on the Catclaw Trail.
Back on the Catclaw Trail, the trail’s surface was a mix of grass in the open areas and packed dirt in the wooded areas. Every now and then, the tree line opened up to reveal lake views to the right and hillside views to the left.
After passing the other trailhead near the picnic tables, which is a very nice, well-manicured lakeside park area, the trail ascended uphill through wooded terrain.
As I reached the top, the trail was nice and mowed.
The Post Oak Trail
The end of my loop on the Catclaw Trail was directly across the street from the Post Oak trailhead. This is a heavily wooded trail that loops down the side of a hill opposite from the lake.
The trail is dirt surfaced and rocky in some areas. A couple of fallen trees crossed the trail which added a bit of fun.
If you’re lucky, you may have a wildlife encounter.
The Post Oak Trail is nice if you like being in the woods. It’s a great addition to the Catclaw Trail and it’s easy enough to hike if you have kids.
If you’re camping at Fall River Lake, Kansas, the Catclaw and Post Oak trails are two hiking trails worth exploring. Check them out if you’re in the area.
I hope you enjoy the hike.
Safe travels!
Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas
Location: North of Highway 400; east side of Fall River Lake, Quarry Bay Area.
Fees: State park permit.
Dogs: Allowed but must be leashed.
Activities: Hiking and mountain biking.
Trail Construction: Natural surface, grass surface, loop trail, system trail.
Trail Length from Description Above: 3.25 miles
Total Length Available: 3.25 miles
Camping: No camping on the trails. RV and tent camping is available in the campgrounds surrounding Fall River Lake.
Features: Wildlife, Woods, Ravines, Creeks, Rock Formations, Water Features (during rainy seasons)
Hazards: Mosquitos were buzzing around me in the woods. Ticks and chiggers can be a problem on grass-surfaced trails. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Website: https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Fall-River
Facebook:
Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism – Fall River State Park @FallRiverStatePark
Other Kansas hiking trails you may like:
The Badger Creek Trail North at Fall River Lake
Wildlife Drive at Quivira Wildlife National Refuge
The hiking trails at Sand Hills State Park