Buckeye Trail

The Buckeye Trail follows an original 1800s cattle drive route through the heart of the Flint Hills, where bluestem grass once reached horse bellies and cowboys pushed herds north to Kansas railheads. The 28-mile route winds through private ranch land and state trust sections, crossing Buckeye Creek seven times and threading between limestone outcrops that define this ancient prairie landscape. The most challenging section comes at mile 14 where Spring Creek meets Buckeye Creek—expect mud, rocks, and water up to your bumper after heavy rains.

This is a moderate trail requiring high-clearance 4WD and aggressive tires for the creek crossings and muddy bottomland. Spring through early summer offers the best conditions, though creek levels can spike quickly after storms. No permits required, but respect private land boundaries marked with orange paint. The payoff is legitimate Flint Hills solitude and some of the best remaining tallgrass prairie in North America—plus decent camping spots along the higher ridges with permission from local ranchers.