Verdigris River Bottoms Historic Military Road

The old military supply road that connected Fort Scott to the Arkansas River cuts a forgotten path through the Verdigris River bottoms, where Union forces moved supplies to Cherokee Nation allies during the Civil War. Original wagon ruts still scar the hardpan where Missouri bushwhackers ambushed federal convoys in 1863. The route threads between massive bur oaks and hickories that witnessed Bleeding Kansas, crossing ancient oxbow channels where teamsters watered their mules. Halfway through, you’ll find the remains of Camp Wildcat—earthwork fortifications built to protect river crossings from Confederate raiders pushing up from Arkansas.

Moderate difficulty requiring high clearance for creek crossings and muddy bottoms, but passable in dry conditions by most 4WD vehicles. Spring floods make this impassable until June, while fall offers the best conditions when leaves drop and you can spot historical features. No permits needed on this mix of private easements and public land, but respect posted boundaries. The reward goes beyond history—this is some of Kansas’ last original prairie-timber ecosystem, where elk once grazed and osage orange hedges still mark Civil War-era boundaries. Camping available at nearby Montgomery State Park.