Kansas' oldest and most centrally located recreation area includes more than 22,000 acres of rolling hills, bluffs and woods. Completed in 1948, Kanopolis Lake covers 3,000 acres and is a prime recreation area located just 33 miles southwest of Salina via highway K-141. Kansas Wildlife and Parks operates two areas, Langley Point or "South Shore" and Horsethief or "East Shore" areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates two parks as well, Venango and Riverside as well as maintaining access areas at Yankee Run and Boldt Bluff. Kansas Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly manage the reservoir and Wildlife area to optimize recreational opportunities.

Kanopolis offers 24.9 miles of trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. These trails loop through canyons, trees, high prairie and Red Rock Canyon, a sandstone canyon that is breathtaking. Northern loops encompass the Alum Creek trails which offer views of vast prairie and many water crossings. This an extensive system which may take more than a day to travel. However there is no camping along the trails. Please check with the park office for more information on trail rules and conditions.

Kansas State Parks Website, http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/pmforum/kanopolis.html

For more information on Kanopolis, try these sites:
Kansas State Parks Kanopolis Web Site
U.S. Corps of Engineers Kanopolis Web Site