Gorgeous trails and views await you at the KU Field Station, located just 6 miles north of Lawrence. It features 5 miles of public nature trails and is open daily dawn to dusk. You’ll want to pack water and snacks because there is a lot to explore.

The Field Station contains five nature trails:

Stan and Janet Roth Trail

• A 1.1 mile-long trail that can be accessed from the Roth Trailhead shelter at the edge of the parking area at the McColl Nature Reserve.
• The trail runs through the forest for half a mile then follows a loop.
• A restroom, drinking fountain and picnic area are located at the trailhead.
• The trailhead shelter was built by KU Architecture Students in 2002.
• The trail can be joined from the Kaw Valley Overlook on the Rockefeller Trail.

Fitch Biology Trail

• This trail is 0.9 miles in total and consists of two loops: The Fitch Upper Loop and the Quarry Trail. The Fitch Upper Loop is 0.7 miles and Quarry Trail is 0.3 miles in length.
• The trail is named in honor of Henry S. Fitch, professor emeritus at the University of Kansas. Fitch lived and worked on the reservation from shortly after it was dedicated in 1948 until 2009.
• The trail features 13 points of interest along the way noting various ecological and historical features.

Quarry Trail

• This trail is 0.3 miles long and can be accessed from either the Rockefeller Prairie Trail or the Fitch Biology Trail. It is a quick way to travel between the trails.
• The trail runs along a dry creek bed and is very scenic.
• Other than a brief steep section, it’s an easy hike.

Rockefeller Prairie Trail plus Native Prairie and Kaw Valley Overlook

• This trail consists of a 0.4 mile concrete, accessible path leading to the Kaw Valley Overlook.
• The overlook provides scenic views of the Kaw Valley and Lawrence in the distance.
• There are educational markers along the way as well as at the trailhead.
• The trail passes through the Rockefeller Native Prairie. It is a 10-acre remnant of original native prairie with a rich diversity of more than 200 native plants.
• The prairie contains two endangered species: the western prairie fringed orchid and Mead’s milkweed.

Botany Bluff Loop

• A 0.1 mile-long wooded path accessed from the Rockefeller or Roth Trails.
• Rocky outcroppings along the south end of the Rockefeller Trail are visible.
• The loop was named by early 20th century KU science classes.

Trails are open to foot traffic only; no bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed. Due to the potential to transmit disease or disturb research projects and wildlife, pets are not allowed even if leashed. Be sure to pack some bug spray to stay safe from ticks this time of year.

The Field Station was established in 1947. Its mission is to foster scholarly research, environmental education and science-based stewardship of natural resources.

Driving directions: Take US 59 to US 24/40 north of Lawrence, travel 1½ miles east on 24/40 past the Lawrence airport to E 1600 Road and turn north. About ½ mile up the road you will find the KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Garden. About 2½ miles north you will find the Suzanne Ecke McColl Nature Reserve and the Roth Trailhead. The Rockefeller Prairie Trailhead is approx. ½ mile farther up 1600 Road. Further north is the Armitage Education and Research Center.

Parking is available at the McColl/Roth and Rockefeller Trailheads.