The Fancy Creek Trail is a hiking and mountain biking trail located in the Fancy Creek State Park at Tuttle Creek Lake, north of Manhattan, Kansas. It’s a six-mile loop trail with surprisingly rough terrain.
The trail head is in a parking lot that’s tucked away from the main road. Look for the sign. The trail’s entrance and exit are at opposite sides of the parking lot.
I hiked the loop trail in a clockwise direction.
The Fancy Creek Trail is really rocky in many places. Some places require you to step up and over big rocks while climbing up or going down hills. The trail also followed along shelf rocks every now and then.
To add to the challenges, the terrain is very hilly. Some hills are gradual but others are rather steep. They’ll lead you over summits and right back down into creek beds and ravines.
It’s not entirely strenuous. There are smooth parts to the trail where you walk on a gravel or dirt surface, and you’re not climbing or descending.
Most of the Fancy Creek Trail is covered in trees. Cedar trees seemed to dominate the landscape which provided lots of shade and cover.
They also created a nice wind break that let just the right amount of breeze through on a pretty windy day.
Although the trees block any kind of big views, there are plenty of interesting things to see along the trail. One such thing is a limestone wall that reminds you of a time long forgotten.
I came upon a fork in the trail at one point. Going left makes the hike 6 miles, and going right makes it about 4.5 miles.
Depending on the time of year, the creek may or may not have water flowing. It was dry when I hiked the trail.
The Fancy Creek Trail goes near a picnic area with a lake view. This is a good spot to rest, re-energize and rehydrate. The landscape in the background provides a perfect view of the Flint Hills.
I arrived at the trailhead and parking lot after about another mile of hiking through thick trees. The Fancy Creek Trail l was one of the more challenging hiking trails I’ve found in Kansas, but it was well-worth the trip.
I hope you enjoy the hike.
Safe travels!
Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas
Location: The Fancy Creek hiking and mountain biking trail is located in Fancy Creek State Park at Tuttle Creek Lake, just east of Randolph, about 30 minutes north of Manhattan, Kansas.
Fees: State park permit required
Dogs: Allowed, must be leashed
Activities: Hiking, trail running and mountain biking
Trail Construction: Natural surface, Loop
Trail Length from Description Above: 6 miles
Total Length Available: 6 miles
Camping: No camping on the trail. There are campsites with electricity and water in the park.
Features: Creeks, Wildlife, Woods, Picnic Areas (in the park), Lake Views, Fishing, Rocky Terrain, Shelf Rocks, Limestone Wall, Shooting Range (in the park)
Hazards: Lots of tripping hazards. Pay attention to foot placement to avoid injury. Airflow may be an issue in the deeply wooded areas on hot days. Drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed.
Website: http://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Tuttle-Creek/Areas/Fancy-Creek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuttleCreekStatePark/
Other Kansas hiking trails you may like:
Badger Creek Trail North at Fall River Lake
The Hiking trails at the Chaplin Nature Center
The Southwind Nature Trail at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve