The Hiking Trails at Harvey County West Park

The Harvey County West Park Trails are nature trails that go around the small lake and pond in the park. The total available length is about four miles, but there are options for shorter hikes.

These are fun trails to hike if you’re camping in the park, or if you’re looking for things to do near Newton, Kansas. It’s a great way to spend time in nature.

The Harvey County West Park

The Harvey County West Park is about 15 miles west of Newton, 21 miles east of Hutchinson, and four miles north of Highway 50.

The park is maintained by Harvey County. It’s a well-kept park with a small lake, a pond, basic campsites (electric only), picnic areas, and a seasonal bait shop.

The park is located at the northern edge of the Little Arkansas River. It’s terrain is made up of riparian woodlands and sand prairie.

The Hiking Trails at Harvey County West Park

Start your hike at the main parking lot across from the bait shop. Cross the cable bridge (this was a pretty cool experience).

Once you’re across the bridge, you have a few options. I’d recommend going right. By doing this, you’ll hike next to the small lake. And you’ll hike in a loop.

It’s okay if you go straight, but you’ll have to backtrack later in the hike.

After hiking around the small lake, you’ll turn to the west and hike through woodlands on a dirt trail. The trail is nice and wide. So you shouldn’t feel claustrophobic.

You’ll hike southward along the west fence line for a while and then come to an open area. This area is full of blackberry canes! I’m sure if you hiked at the right time of the year, you could have yourself a feast.

The hiking trail bends eastward until it comes to a T crossing. Go right.

The trail bends to the south and again to the northeast. This trail continues northeast but there is an optional spur trail to the right. Take that trail.

Hiking in the Sand Hills

The trail becomes very sandy in this section. The soft sand adds a little bit of a challenge to your hike. You can also see all the footprints from the animals who live in the park!

This trail will lead to the park’s road. When you get to the road, you can cross to hang out by the river. Or you can turn around. Once you turn around, there will be a couple of loop spurs to your right.

The path will lead back to a T crossing at the main trail. Go right.

You’ll come to a fork with three options. If you take the trail to the right you’ll go to the park’s conference center. Going straight will take you to the bait shop. Your best option is to go left.

The trail to the left will take you down to the pond. This section of the trail will take you all the way around the pond and eventually lead back to the cable bridge.

You can cross the cable bridge to finish the hike, or you can go explore the other optional trails in the park.

Conclusion

The Harvey County West Park hiking trails are a fun experience. They’re good for people who just want to get out for the day. And they’re excellent if you want to introduce hiking to your kids or grandkids.

The park itself is a great place for a day trip for fishing, a picnic, or a family outing.

Safe travels!

Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas

Essential Info about the Harvey County West Park Hiking Trails

Location: The Harvey County West Park is about 15 miles west of Newton, 21 miles east of Hutchinson, and four miles north of Highway 50.

Fees: No

Dogs: Must be leashed

Activities: Hiking is free. Horseback riding requires a special permit.

Trail Construction: Loop system, dirt and sand trail

Trail Length from Description Above: 3.7 miles

Total Length Available: Approximately 4 miles

Seasons: Open all year.

Camping: No camping on the hiking trail. There are campsites in Harvey County West Park.

Features: Scenic Views, Fishing Pond, Small Lake, Little Arkansas River, Blackberry Thickets, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Meadows, Sand Prairie, Riparian Woodlands

Hazards: There have been reports of copperhead snakes in the park. I didn’t see any during my hike, but be cautious when hiking.

Website: https://www.harveycounty.com/departments/parks/west-park.html