Cedar Niles Park

Natural Features

Found in Olathe, Kansas, Cedar Niles Park spans 957 acres of natural landscape. Having opened its gates to the public in April 2022, this expansive green space showcases Johnson County's diverse landscapes - from mixed woodlands and flowing streams to rolling terrain that changes with every step.

Walk a few minutes into the park and you might feel like you've left the city far behind. The dramatic terrain and rich plant diversity create that authentic backcountry feel without the long drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the local residents - deer often make appearances, woodpeckers tap away at tree trunks, various birds call from the canopy, and if you're lucky, you might spot smaller creatures like salamanders or newts going about their day.

Trail System

If you're looking for a casual stroll or an adventurous trek, Cedar Niles offers a well-designed trail network. The 4 miles of multi-use paved trails provide smooth surfaces ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling - accessible enough for visitors of all fitness levels.

Craving something more challenging? The 4.5 miles of single-track trails known as the Columbine Loop might be just what you're looking for. Named after the native wildflowers that dot the northern section, this unpaved trail offers a medium-difficulty experience that takes about 2.5 hours to complete on foot - fantastic for hikers and mountain bikers looking to test their skills.

For a bit of variety, check out the Technical Loop trail. You'll need to traverse most of the Columbine Loop to find this hidden path, but it's worth the effort for its unique scenery and interesting terrain without being overly demanding.

Historical Significance

As you wander through Cedar Niles, you're actually walking through pages of history. Portions of the legendary Santa Fe Trail once cut through this very land. Travelers of yesteryear often made camp near Cedar Creek by the 127th Street bridge, with many continuing their journey southwest up the hill from where the bridge now stands.

This historical connection makes perfect sense considering the Mahaffie farmhouse - a notable Santa Fe Trail landmark - sits just four miles east of the park. You're literally walking in the footsteps of pioneers.

Location and Access

The park stretches from roughly 119th Street to just beyond 135th Street, west of K-7 highway. You can access this natural haven from several points, including entrances at 135th Street, at 127th Street and Clare Road, and at 119th Street west of K-7.

Each entrance comes equipped with visitor amenities for a comfortable experience. The Clare Road Trailhead offers parking for about 10 vehicles, clean restroom facilities, and direct access to the wooded trails that make this park special.

Park Information

Cedar Niles welcomes visitors year-round from 5AM to 8PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience its ecosystems through all four seasons.

Despite being close to an urban area, the park creates an immersive natural experience. Thanks to its design and extensive forest coverage, you'll quickly forget you're just minutes from suburban life. The well-maintained trails alternate between sunny clearings and shaded forest paths, making hiking comfortable even during Kansas summer days.

The park continues to evolve, with ongoing development plans including additional recreational amenities and ecological restoration projects.