For assistance, call the

rangers at 620-273-8494

1

2

3

For your safety, please stay on

designated trails.

Program Information

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845P.O. Box 585, 226 BroadwayTallgrass Prairie National PreserveU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service

Backcountry Day Hiking

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Strong City, Kansas

 Backcountry Hiking Trails

Scenic Overlook Trail - 6.4 miles

 Approx. 2.5 hours

1

2

3

 Each trail moderately difficult

3 Pasture Loop - 3.8 miles (first loop)

 Approx. 1.5 hours

Red House Trail - 6 miles (both loops)

 Approx. 3 hours

.5 Mile 1 Mile 1.5 Miles 2 Miles

Red House Trail
Welcome to Tallgrass Prairie National

Preserve. We hope you enjoy your hiking

experience in the backcountry of the preserve.

To assist in your visitor experience, we have

put together this information brochure.

Please help us preserve this beautiful area for

future generations by following these simple

rules. Thank you for your cooperation.

Registration

Hiking program is from May - October. Hiking

hours are between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Individual

permits are required. Hiking is limited to 100

permits per day. You may make a reservation up to

4 weeks in advance by calling 620-273-8494. Sign

in at the visitor information station to get your

permit before hiking. The station is located in the

barn from May - October. Display the permit on

you when in the backcountry and return it when

you sign out. All hikers must be back at the historic

ranch headquarters by 3:30 p.m. If you have not

returned, a park ranger will come looking for you.

Visitor Safety Tips

* Do Not Disturb wildlife or cattle

* Stay on designated ranch roads and hiking trails

* The preserve has a high tick and chigger

 population. Use insect repellent, stay on

 designated roads and trails, and check for ticks

 regularly.

* Beware of venomous snakes

* Check the forecast for severe weather

* Always carry a map and compass and know

 how to use them

NOTE: Hiking will be cancelled in times

of high fire danger, during prescribed

burning, and severe weather.

Here are a few things you should know before

you travel into the backcountry:

Take Only

Pictures

Leave Only

Footprints

Water

For your safety do not drink from any natural water

source found on the preserve. Do not swim or wade in

the stock ponds, streams, or springs found on the

preserve.

Suggested Items For Hiking

* Cell Phone - Leave number with rangers

* Plenty of drinking water

* A first-aid kit

* Insect repellent

* Appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes,

 loose-fitting pants, sun hat, and sunglasses.

* Due to lack of shade, sunblock is advised

* Emergency snack food, such as raisins, candy, dried

 fruits, or freeze-dried snacks

* Some hiking supplies are available in bookstore

Wildlife

All preserve wildlife is protected. Do not feed, hunt,

or disturb wildlife. Rattlesnakes and other venomous

snakes live in the preserve. To reduce risk, stay on

designated ranch roads and hiking trails, look before

you step, and use caution. Snakes are protected within

preserve boundaries and are an important part of the

natural community. Do not kill them.

 Resource Protection

* Do not remove anything from the preserve.

 It is illegal to remove any object, plant, or animal

 from the property.

* Do not pick any plant, wildflower, artifact, or

 rock. Every element is an important part of the

 prairie ecosystem. By not removing any natural

 and cultural features, you are helping to preserve

 a very important ecosystem, and allowing all

 visitors to experience this beauty.

* Do not climb, sit on, or disturb rock walls or

 fences, as they are important cultural features.

Fire

Absolutely No Smoking

No campfires or open flames in the backcountry.

Litter

Help us preserve the natural beauty and health of the

prairie by packing out all of your trash. Please do not

bury or burn your litter. There are trash cans at the

historic ranch headquarters for refuse. If you discover

debris on the hiking trails, please help us preserve the

beauty of the prairie by disposing of it at the ranch

headquarters area.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry and may not

be left at the historic ranch headquarters area

unattended. Please be kind to your pet and be aware

that campers and vehicles heat up rapidly in the

summer months. Do not leave your pet inside these

confined spaces.

All pets in the preserve headquarters area must be on a

leash and attended by the owner. Please remove and

dispose of animal waste properly.

Fishing

At this time, fishing is not allowed at the preserve.

Do not fish or seine in the stock ponds, springs, or

streams.

Walk-through Crossings

Use the walk-through fence stiles to cross between

pastures. Do not cross between the barbed wire

fences or through the cattleguards. Slipping between

the metal bars of the cattleguards can cause injury and

broken bones. Cattle sometimes congregate around

the cattleguards. Remember these are wild animals

and can cause injury. Do not pet or disturb the cattle.

Thank you for following these rules and

regulations. We hope you have a very

enjoyable experience and come back soon.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve