The Waconda Trail is a five-mile linear hiking trail at Glen Elder State Park in north central Kansas. The Waconda Trail is a mowed grass surface that takes you through grasslands and gives you excellent views of Waconda Lake.
About Glen Elder State Park and Waconda Lake
Waconda Lake is a 12,500-acre reservoir that serves small communities in the Solomon River Valley in Mitchell County, Kansas.
The reservoir is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. It was constructed in 1964-1968 to prevent flooding in the area.
Glen Elder State Park is on the north shore of the reservoir. It has seven campgrounds, three of which have utilities for trailers and RVs.
The recreation opportunities at Glen Elder State Park are almost endless.
Hiking the Waconda Trail
I started my hike on the Waconda Trail at the Glen Elder State Park office near the entrance of the park. There’s no marker for the trailhead, but I eventually found it near the south end of the parking lot.
The hiking trail curves through grassland and comes to a group of cedar and pine trees. There’s a bench amongst the trees, and the hiking trail splits here.
Going left will take you across the road and to the small fishing pond. Going right will take you toward the chapel and the Waconda Spring replica. I went right.
There’s another split shortly after. Going left will take you to the chapel, going straight will take you to the campgrounds, and going right will take you to the Waconda Spring replica. I went right.
The Waconda Spring replica has informational signs that describe the area’s history, the reservoir construction, and what the original Waconda Spring was.
There are also signs leading up the spring that showcase some truly rugged people—mostly Native American tribes and influential people of early Kansas, including Isaac McCoy.
The top of the spring gives you a nice overlook of the surrounding campgrounds, the lake, and the park. A binocular stand lets you look across to areas in the distance.
Back on the trail at the four-way split, I went right to go toward the campgrounds. The hiking trail brings you to the road and the option to cross. I crossed but the area was under construction, and the trail was all torn up.
Back on the main trail, I hiked through grassland and patches of trees until I came to another road crossing. This one led to a section that bordered a corn field!
After the corn field, the hiking trail takes you through the Sioux campground for views of the water.
The trail goes along a tree line and through patches of wild sunflowers.
You’ll go by the amphitheater (I’ve always wondered what goes on at these things).
The trail has a loop option at the Kaw Campground. You can also take the trail further to the Arikaree Campground if you want to. I looped around the Kaw Campground and headed back.
When I got back to the bench (mentioned above), I took the trail across the road to see the small fishing pond.
The pond has a small fishing dock, and it looks like a good place to fish from a kayak or canoe.
I took the trail around the pond and to the next road crossing. This is where I turned around and headed back to my vehicle.
Conclusion about Waconda Trail
The Waconda Trail is a fun, easy trail in Glen Elder State Park. The trail has lots to see, with plenty of options to shorten or add distance to your hike.
Safe travels!
Matt McCoy, writer and photographer, Rugged Kansas
Essential Info about the Waconda Trail
Location: The Waconda Trail is in Glen Elder State Park at Waconda Lake in Mitchell County, Kansas.
Fees: Kansas State Park Pass
Dogs: Allowed, must be leashed
Activities: Hiking and Biking
Trail Construction: Mowed Grass Surface, Linear
Trail Length from Description Above: 5.5 miles
Total Length Available: Approximately 5 miles (5 miles out and 5 miles back = Estimated 10 total miles)
Seasons: Open all year.
Camping: No camping on the hiking trail. The hiking trail goes through most of the campgrounds in the state park so you’ll have access from wherever you camp.
Features: Scenic Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, Short Grass and Tall Grass Meadows, Rolling Hills, Historic Hopewell Church, Waconda Spring Replica
Historic Significance: The Waconda Springs Area
According to the Kansas Historical Society:
A mysterious crater of water once drew visitors from near and far in what is now Mitchell County, in the north central part of the state. This large saltwater spring was believed to have spiritual and healing powers. It was a mound about 300 feet wide and rising 40 feet above the surrounding Solomon River Valley.
Read more history at the link below.
Website: https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/waconda-springs/16720
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