The Landon Nature Trail is a rail-trail which is being developed on 38 miles of the former Missouri-Pacific Railroad from Topeka, south, to Lomax Junction, east of Pomona Lake in Osage County. This historic 122 year old "Mo-Pac" rail corridor is being developed as a trail and wildlife area open to the public for non-motorized use. Visitors are invited to come out and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The route also comprises the major north-south artery of the Topeka City Trail System.
The facility is being developed and managed by local volunteers. These volunteers and supporters are part of the Kanza Rail Trails Conservancy, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The Landon is supported primarily by community donations and grants. The only publicly funded portion is the section inside the Topeka city limits, which is leased by the city. This project is a fantastic example of community spirit.
All Levels of Ability Welcome.
One major reason that rail-trails are so user friendly is the same reason they were good for trains. The pathway is wider with gradual changes in elevation, and gentle curves. These attributes make the Landon great for visitors from young ages all the way to the most seasoned trail veterans. The surface inside Topeka is being made of concrete and outside of town is crushed limestone. Both types are good for all types of uses and provide a uniform surface.
The gradual curves of the Landon provide great visibility of other visitors who are moving toward you. Bicyclers have more time and distance to react and notify horseback riders and hikers they may be passing. It also allows parents to keep an eye on the kids easier.
The crushed limestone will support wheelchairs when it is dry and in most areas has settled to a smooth surface. Motorized wheelchairs are allowed on the trail.
Is the Route Flat, Dry, and Boring?
You are in for a pleasant surprise......
The trail is canopied by large trees and follows streams such as Linn Creek, Camp Creek, and the Wakarusa River. The Landon is always near streams. Since it travels primarily north/south, it was built following major streams along the route. It traverses areas of native tallgrass and wildlife thriving along the route. The types of wildlife encountered are as diverse as the habitat the trail goes through. A single trip may bring you eye to eye with a flock of wild turkey and a short time later reveal ducks along the many stream and marsh areas. Bobwhite Quail may call out as you pass the edge of brush and native tallgrass. The open area of the trail pathway itself is a favorite of several species of owl which can be seen and heard. The Landon is managed as a wildlife area with many projects to restore or enhance the habitat. Many of our volunteers are experienced and educated in wildlife or public lands management.
The Route.
The "Landon" begins in front of the Brown v. Board of Education, National Historic Site, administered by the National Park Service at SE. 15th and Monroe in Topeka, Kansas. It travels south comprising the main north-south leg of the Topeka city trails system. It continues southeast to Clinton Lake and the Clinton Wildlife Area on the Wakarusa River at about Milepost 12½. It then travels south through Osage County following Camp Creek, to Overbrook. The "Landon" continues south through Michigan Valley and over the historic 110 Mile Creek. This creek marked the 110 mile marker for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. It runs along the east boundary of Pomona Lake and near Pomona State Park. It conntects with the east-west Flint Hills Nature Trail, near the town of Pomona, at the old rail intersection called Lomax Junction. The Flint Hills Nature Trail is 117 miles in length and also part of the Kanza Rail Trails Conservancy, Inc. The Landon and Flint Hills Trails were transferred to the Kanza Rails Conservancy, Inc. under the National Trails Act, 16 U.S.C. §1240 et seq.
Everyone is invited to visit the Landon Nature Trail and use the sections which are open. Return to enjoy new sections as they open for use. The Landon is part of a growing trail system which will connect Topeka, Lawrence, Clinton Lake, Pomona Lake, Kansas City, and the Missouri trails system.
Landon Nature Trail Volunteers All Rights Reserved. 2008