Alt text: A large industrial structure featuring several tall, cylindrical silos made of concrete, with an adjacent covered area supported by metal beams. The setting includes a grassy area in the foreground and a clear sky in the background. Lehigh Portland Trails mountain bike trail.
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Level: Intermediate
Length: 13 mi (20.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +202/ -86 ft
Total: 9 riders
 

Mountain Biking Lehigh Portland Trails

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#14 of 90 mountain bike trails in Kansas
#2,307 in the world

The Lehigh Portland Trails are built on the site of a former cement plant and quarry, along the banks of Elm Creek in Iola, Kansas. The trails consist of approximately 2.25 mile of wide gravel trails and 9 miles of natural-surface trails for mountain biking, trail running, and nature hikes. The trail's name pays homage to Allen County's industrial past and specifically to the Lehigh Portland Cement Company, which purchased the Iola Portland Cement Company in 1917 and operated a major plant in Iola until 1970. The trail system will be free and open to the general public year round. There are two trailheads for the Lehigh Portland Trails, one located at the western end of the trail (approximately Washington Avenue and Elm Creek), and one towards the eastern end, at 1600th Street and Nebraska Road. Vehicle parking is available at both trailheads. Please be respectful of the neighbors, and do not block the roadways, litter, or make excessive noise. Also, please do not block the entrance gate itself, as maintenance or emergency vehicles may need access. The Lehigh Portland Trails are built and maintained by volunteers with Thrive Allen County, via a Healthy Living grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, on land owned by Iola Industries, Inc. through an easement granted to the Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy, Inc. The trails wind through a diverse natural environment, with riparian areas, cedar forest, the foundations of historic structures, grassy prairie, and a large spring-fed quarry lake. There are rocky ledges with great features, small climbs, and tricky roots. Stop to take photos on the bluffs over Elm Creek, and along the limestone quarry.

First added by Schmo on Dec 7, 2015. Last updated Nov 30, 2021. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: yes
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: yes
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
Traveling from the north or the south take US 169 to the Iola Exit, US 54 and turn west. Take US 54 west to S. State St. and turn south. Take S. State St. south to Montana Rd. and turn east. Take Montana Rd. east and the road will change to 1650th St. as it turns to the north. Follow 1650th St. north to Nebraska Rd. and turn west. About a 1/4 mile west on Nebraska Rd. the road makes a sharp turn to the north. At this turn you will see the trailhead and parking lot, enjoy your ride.
System trails (1)


Lehigh Portland Trails Trail map

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Schmo (Jan 21, 2024)
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Good (Jan 21, 2024)
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Mountain Bike Trails Near Iola, Kansas

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