Lawrence Loop

Maps and information to introduce users to the 22 miles of shared-use path circling Lawrence, KS.

Arranged by the Lawrence MSO Dept.

Introduction

The Lawrence Loop, when completed, will be a continuous 22-mile paved path encircling the city. Presently, over 18 miles are completed, with more segments scheduled for 2022 and beyond. The project already provides connectivity, exercise, and transportation for non-motorist users for significant portions of the City's park lands, neighborhoods, businesses, and downtown. Additionally, this webpage is explicitly designed to welcome individuals with disabilities with useful information on such items as slope/steepness, ADA parking areas, and printable maps.

Lawrence Municipal Services & Operations (MSO), Lawrence Parks and Rec., as well as local community groups have played a part in developing this webpage as a vital community resource. We are all very excited to continue work on this project and communicate the latest developments.

This webpage is brought to you by these sponsors.

Scroll through the webpage for more information on:

Access and Trip Planning - maps below identify the difficulty of sections with icons built into each map. Whether walking, running, biking, or using a wheelchair or other assistive device, a user can gather information to decide which sections of the Loop best meet their needs for accessibility and for a safe, and rewarding outdoor experience. Please note that, in addition to “fixed route” public transit, Lawrence Transit offers the T-Lift, “curb to curb” service with a wheelchair lift or ramp and audio announcement equipment, for eligible riders. More information is available at  lawrencetransit.org/ada-services/ .

Project Progress - as the Loop continues to be built, there are places where the trail ends and users have the option of turning around, or using other means (sidewalks, roads, etc.) to get across the gaps. The overall plan will be to complete a full paved trail all the way around the city, and you can check back here for more updates as segments are opened.

If you are using these maps on a mobile device, be sure to allow location services for this web page - each map can display your live location using GPS.

Overview Map

This map provides an overview of the Lawrence Loop. A breakdown of the segments follows.

An Overview Map of the Lawrence Loop displaying the location of the route as well as amenities along the way. Locations of water sources, hilly terrain, street crossings, bathrooms, benches, and parking lots are displayed, and users may click on these icons to gather more information.

Segment Breakdown

Picking up the trail at Hobbs Park and planning for "clockwise" travel.

Although the loop is fun to traverse in either direction, we will describe a clockwise trip here. Self-powered vehicles like bicycles and elliptical-cycles may find the full loop to be a challenge, while hikers, walkers, and those with mobility challenges may find that a single segment may be more comfortable.

01 / 12

This section of the Loop provides access to Hobbs Park and the Warehouse Arts District, and is just east of Lawrence historic downtown.

Hobbs Park (0.25 mi) - As of early 2022, the Lawrence Loop begins by going south from the corner of 8 th  and Delaware Streets. We pass along the Warehouse Arts District, up a medium hill, and enter Hobbs Park. With several new additions to Hobbs, accessibility has been drastically improved for the park. Wider paved paths and raised crosswalks are some of these new features. After passing through Hobbs, the Loop turns east onto 11 th  Street and descends a small hill. Trail users then cross over 11th Street and enter the Burroughs Creek Trail & Linear Park.

Save for the handful of street crossings, this section may be one of the more picturesque and accessible portions of the Loop currently. This largely wooded trail features a series of panels, the “Hike Through History,” that share Lawrence’s unique history and cultural identity.

Burroughs Creek Rail Trail (1.3 mi) - Parking is available at Hobbs Park in the north, and at a lot immediately below and north to the 23rd Street bridge. There are two bus stops near this segment -- stops 360/361 and 130 (all on Route 1) on Haskell Avenue. This rail-trail segment extends from Hobbs Park all the way to the 23rd Street bridge. Many amenities for recreation, resting, water, and body-weight exercise machines exist along this segment. As a historic railroad route, it is completely flat for the full length and, excluding a few road crossings, would be perfect for users with limited mobility.

The parking lot off Barker Avenue and 23rd Street is a great place to access the Haskell Rail Trail, one of the Loop’s most wooded and peaceful trail segments.

Haskell Rail Trail (1.2 mi) - Beginning at Haskell University just under the 23rd Street bridge, this segment keeps to a forested flat route. From there, this segment continues along the edge of Haskell Indian Nations University to 29th Street.

This short segment connects the Haskell Rail Trail to the “Baker Wetlands" section of the Lawrence Loop.

Haskell Avenue Connection (1.0 mi) - From the end of Haskell Rail Trail, the Loop turns East along 29th Street to connect up with sidewalk infrastructure along Haskell Ave. New shared-use paths, and a raised crosswalk were constructed at the end of 2021 to improve this section. Once on Haskell, users descend a small hill to a pedestrian button-crosswalk, and then pass under K-10. This segment is mainly connective in nature and is not the most scenic or accessible, but is useful for connection between Haskell Rail Trail and Baker Wetlands.

With ADA-accessible parking available at the Discovery Center, this area is an excellent option for a diverse set of users. However, considerations should be made for heat on sunny days, and modest elevation changes.

South Lawrence Trafficway along Baker Wetlands (1.8mi) - The Loop turns right (West) as it passes under K-10, following the Northern border of Baker Wetlands on a raised shared-use path. This section includes excellent views of the wetlands to the South, a rich ecosystem that is home to 487 identified species of plants, 278 species of birds, and 98 other animal species. As users head West, there are options for connecting in with the wetlands gravel trails, or passing under K-10 to head North to Broken Arrow Park and Louisiana Street This segment ends at Michigan Street after a longer-but-less-steep climb up from Naismith Channel. The best way to access this portion is by parking at the Discovery Center -- resources including parking, water, and restrooms can be found here.

After crossing Michigan and Iowa, this portion of the Loop explores a peaceful, forested stream environment. Parking can be found at the Regal Southwind, but this is not explicitly ADA-accessible.

Iowa and Kasold (2.5 mi) - Bridging over K-10 by way of Michigan Street, we cross over to paths along the Northern end of K-10, and then descend to Iowa Street at the Crown Toyota dealership. To cross Iowa Street a pedestrian button-activated crosswalk can be used, but users should be aware of traffic coming down off of the highway. Passing beyond this busy highway, we now enter a more secluded forest-land. The Loop meanders along Yankee Tank Creek before popping out at the truncated end of E 1200 Rd. Heading North now, we connect up with Kasold for a moment before ducking down onto a paved path between Winterbrook Drive and Aldrich Street.

Although this section connects several parks and neighborhoods, the unavailability of ADA parking and the crossing at K-10 make this somewhat less inviting than other portions of the Loop.

Connecting Kasold to the Arboretum (2.1 mi) - Users of the Loop may follow the trails through Green Meadows Park West, across a small bridge, and over to 27th Street and Pat Dawson Billings Natural Area. From there, the Loop crosses over to the North side of 27th Street, and continues all to the 27th St / K-10 intersection. Users are strongly encouraged to use the pedestrian crosswalk lights here to traverse K-10 to the Arboretum.

One of the more beautiful, non-hilly, and accessible portions of the Loop. Bookended by two well-equipped City parks, users can peacefully approach Clinton Lake.

Arboretum to Clinton Parkway (2.0 mi) - Following paths along 27th Street, users exit the Arboretum, and enter the parklands around Sesquicentennial Park and Mutt Run. A flat shared-use path reaches up to the crosswalk at E 900th Rd. near Clinton Lake. Users can easily access Overlook Park and the Lake from here. The Loop, however, now turns Northward up a challenging hill to connect with Clinton Parkway at the K-10 overpass.

This portion of the Loop parallels K-10 highway along rolling hills. There are few access resources or amenities here.

Clinton Parkway to Rock Chalk Park (3.0 mi) - After passing under the K-10 overpass, users will need to search for the Loop on the North side of Clinton Parkway just after passing under the bridge. This can be a dangerous intersection to traverse, so take care to be on the lookout for vehicles exiting/entering the highway. Picking up the Loop, we now continue for about 3 miles Northward all the way up to the LMH Health West Campus. This section involves passing through two small tunnels -- first under Bob Billings Parkway, and then under W 6th Street As we pass under 6th, the Loop then descends down along E 902 Rd. to Rock Chalk Park at the lowest point.

Rock Chalk Park is one of the more difficult sections to access for mobility-challenged users due to steeper hills and remote parking. Do not take this section lightly if you have mobility impairments.

Rock Chalk Park (1.9 mi) - At Rock Chalk Park Drive (just past LMH Health West), a non-Loop paved trail continues straight north, but users wanting to stay on the Loop should follow the  signage and cross the road to pick up the Loop as it descends into the Baldwin Creek Valley. As we descend into the valley, the paved Loop trail is crisscrossed several times by crushed asphalt and dirt trails that travel through the woods. The paved path generally parallels Baldwin Creek until it reaches East 1000 Road/Queens Road. As of 2022, this represents the northwest endpoint of the Lawrence Loop Trail. There is no official parking at this terminus.

Peterson, Kasold, and McDonald Dr. Tunnel (2.3 mi) - This section is established as an official Lawrence Loop segment, but is disconnected from the system. This includes the shared-use paths along Kasold just south of the I-70 bridge to the Peterson/Kasold intersection; the paths along Peterson between Peterson/Kasold and Peterson/N. Iowa Street; and the newly-constructed tunnel underneath Mcdonald which leads to N. Michigan St.

This series of parks just to the North of downtown offer vegetated, cool walks along the Kansas River with opportunities for sitting in swinging benches, and viewing KU rowing teams.

Outside for a Better Inside Trail & Burcham Park (1.1 mi) - This beautiful disconnected section of the Loop strings together Sandra J. Shaw Community Health Park, the KU Rowing Boathouse, Burcham Park, Constant Park, and Robinson Park. From the trailhead at the Northern-most end of Maine Street, shared-use paths swoop around the small pond, down past the Kaw River Treatment Plant, across the railroad (where there is a brief discontinuity in the trail before the trail resumes in Burcham Park), and down along the Kansas River. Excellent views of the Kansas River, Bowersock Hydroelectic, and the Massachusetts Street bridges can be found here along the river. Heading downstream, users climb a small hill back up towards downtown, cross the railroad, reach Constant Park, and then Robinson Park. Some may find the unsignaled railroad crossings to be daunting, but trains are infrequent along these tracks.

Negotiating Gaps

Several sections of the Lawrence Loop remain incomplete. There are no formally-recognized routes to negotiate these gaps, but for people who wish to walk, ride, or wheel around the entire city using the Loop, you may want to take the following information into consideration. Information on possible routes was compiled from the  City of Lawrence Bicycle Rideability Map  and the  Lawrence-Douglas County Pedestrian Plan . Please recognize that the bike routes suggested here do include on-street riding, which may not be comfortable/appropriate for all riders. There are also sections of sidewalk in Lawrence that have been poorly-maintained over time. The city has implemented a Sidewalk Maintenance Program to address this issue, but at this time it is very possible that there are cracks, gaps, and other discontinuities on sidewalks and trails featured on these maps/directions.

Cyclist Option 1 of 2

This route follows some more challenging roads -- specifically, the hill along E 1130 rd.

  1. From the end of the paved paths on Queens Road, ride out Eastward along N 1750 Rd. towards Martin Park.
  2. Take a left (East) onto to Peterson Rd.
  3. Take the second exit from the traffic circle, continuing along Peterson Rd. Riders can either keep in the Peterson roadway or use the shared use path on the north side of the street which is a section of the Lawrence Loop between Iowa Street and Kasold Street.
  4. A right onto Iowa, heading South
  5. Take a left just before the Armory towards the McDonald Drive intersection, and continue through to 2nd Street.
  6. Right onto Wisconsin and travel 5 blocks
  7. Left onto 5th and go for 6 blocks
  8. Right onto Maine
  9. Left onto 7th and continue through downtown, following the curvature of the road past the Amtrak station.
  10. Left onto 8th.
  11. And then right onto Delaware until you see Hobbs Park.

Cyclist Option 2 of 2

This route takes a bit more "comfy" of a route through the town back to the beginning. Look for the teal dotted line.

  1. Continue west. 2nd Street becomes Princeton Blvd. Stay on Princeton Blvd. until you reach Lawrence Ave. Turn left on Lawrence Ave.
  2. Proceed south up the hill on Lawrence Ave. until you reach Trail Rd. Turn right on Trail.
  3. Proceed west on Trail Rd. It “jogs” north at Monterey Way but continues west. Continue west until you reach Folks Rd. Turn left onto Folks Rd.
  4. Proceed south on Folks Rd. until you reach 6th Street. If you cross 6th you can turn right onto a shared use path on the south side of 6th Street.
  5. Ride on the shared use path going west until you reach Wakarusa Drive. Turn right onto Wakarusa Drive.
  6. Wakarusa Drive initially goes north and then bends to the west becoming Rock Chalk Drive when it passes through the roundabout at Queens Rd.
  7. Stay on Rock Chalk Drive past the Jayhawk Tennis Center (in Rock Chalk Park) on the right and LMH West on the left. When you reach Rennaisance Drive you cross the roadway and turn left onto the South Lawrence Trafficway section of the Lawrence Loop.
  8. You are now back on the Loop and can ride about 15 miles all the way back to the northern end of the Burroughs Creek Trail at 11th Street!

Future Development

Map of the Lawrence Loop showing new developments along the northern periphery of the City. Two segments of about half a mile are planned to be completed in 2022 and 2023

End of 2021 - Construction for two portions of the Lawrence Loop completed!

February 2022 -- Construction on two connective portions of the Loop began in August 2021. These two segments may be short in length, but they are big in impact -- adding tremendously to feelings of connectivity along the trail.

The two segments are located at points where the Loop transitions from one park to another:

  • At Hobbs park in East Lawrence, sidewalks, guard rails, and widened shared-use paths were constructed. These amenities improve the design/access of Hobbs as well as more effectively connecting the park to the end of the Burroughs Creek Rail Trail.
  • The second section is located at the opposite end (southern end) of the Burroughs Creek trail, just as the Loop turns towards Haskell Ave. A widened shared-use path along 29th Street, guard rails, and a tremendously-improved crosswalk were added for this segment.

The projects received 80% funding through a Federal Transportation Alternatives grant.

Source: City of Lawrence -  https://bit.ly/3AToukz 

Text-Only

This written description was added to the webpage to assist with Loop accessibility -- those who use text-to-speech readers will find this portion to be very helpful!

Introduction

The Lawrence Loop, when completed, will be a paved trail about 22 miles long circling the city. As of 2022, there are over 18 miles of completed trail. The City of Lawrence is working to develop the Lawrence Loop as a vital community resource. The Lawrence Loop and other area trails provide wonderful opportunities for people of all abilities to be active and to experience the outdoors. We want people to be safe when using area trails, so please be sure to:

  • Be aware of cars and other vehicular traffic at crossings
  • Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times, particularly on more secluded sections of the trail and around dawn or dusk.
  • Leave headphones and earbuds at home so you can hear others approaching from behind you.
  • Drink water to stay hydrated.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the Lawrence Loop!

Overview

This text provides an overview of the entire Lawrence Loop:

The longest continuous section of the current Loop starts at 8th and Delaware, on the east side of Delaware. It runs through Hobbs Park and along 11th Street, before connecting to the Burroughs Creek Trail segment and going south. It continues several miles to the south with a turn to the east at 29th Street. It parallels Haskell Avenue and then turns west after crossing under Highway K-10). The Loop then goes west almost to Clinton Lake before turning north. The Loop continues to parallel K-10 as it goes north towards Rock Chalk Park. Just west of Rock Chalk Park (and just past the LMH Health West Campus), the trail descends into the Baldwin Creek valley. The trail runs approximately 1.5 miles through the valley before ending at Queens Road. There are two short segments that currently do not connect to the other sections of the Loop. One segment consists of the Burcham Park Trail and the Outside for a Better Inside Trail in the Sandra Shaw Park (separated by a railway crossing). The other section is a shared use path that runs east along Peterson Road from Iowa Street, turning right (north) at Kasold. It ends at Grand Vista Drive. There are plans in the next few years to connect these segments to other sections of the Loop. Read more about this in the “Future Development Plans” section. Here is information on using the most accessible segments of the Loop. Each segment is rated as Easy, Moderate, or Difficult to navigate.

Suggested Accessible Routes

The following maps and descriptions highlight sections of the Lawrence Loop with modest rises and drops that are well-suited to those using a wheelchair or other assistive device and trail users who generally wish to avoid more challenging or hilly terrain. We highlight ways to access the trail, by providing information about parking, nearby public transit stops, and accessible amenities along the routes. Please note that, in addition to “fixed route” public transit, Lawrence Transit offers the T-Lift, “curb to curb” service with a wheelchair lift or ramp and audio announcement equipment, for eligible riders. More information is available at  lawrencetransit.org/ada-services/ .

Burcham Park Trail

Accessibility Rating: Easy

This flat and scenic section of the Lawrence Loop runs alongside the Kansas River and has views of downtown Lawrence. This wooded trail runs a half-mile before ending at an unsignalized railroad crossing (although it is possible to cross these tracks to enter Constant Park and access downtown). This section of the Loop is flat, avoids interactions and potential conflicts with cars, and offers scenic views of the river along its entire length.

  • Parking: The trail can be accessed from the Burcham Park parking lot (with accessible spaces). The entrance is at the intersection of Indiana and 2nd Streets. It is also possible to access the trail from the parking lot in Constant Park (6th and Tennessee Streets), but this requires crossing the non-signalized railroad crossing between Constant and Burcham Park. Please exercise caution if you choose this option.
  • Public transit access: Stops 140 and 141 (Lawrence Transit routes 3 and 6 westbound) are accessible bus stops on 6th Street which provide access through Constant Park.
  • Restrooms: available seasonally in Burcham Park
  • Water fountains: available seasonally in Burcham Park
  • Benches: there are several along the trail
  • Other notes: From the Burcham Park parking lot it is also possible to go west on the trail to the park entrance, cross the railroad tracks, and access the Outside for a Better Inside Trail just past the railroad crossing. The Outside for a Better Inside Trail is a little over a half-mile in one direction. It ends at Maine Street near Woody Park. While not as flat as the Burcham Park Trail, it does not have any slopes that are more than 5%--this is still quite flat.

Burroughs Creek and Haskell Rail Trails

Accessibility Rating: Easy to moderate

The Burroughs Creek and Haskell Rail Trails on Lawrence’s east side were developed on an abandoned rail corridor and are very flat. However, The Burroughs Creek segment does have several road crossings. These are well-marked, but at some locations there are fairly steep curb transitions that may be uncomfortable for some who use mobility devices. Users will want to approach and navigate those ramps with caution.

  • Parking: There is an accessible parking space in the small parking lot just east of Barker Avenue and north of 23rd Street that is immediately adjacent to the trail. There is also a large parking lot at Burroughs Creek Park just off of 15th Street, but be aware that the lot lacks accessible parking spaces and there is a hump to negotiate at the parking lot entrance. This hump must be negotiated to get to the sidewalk that connects users to the trail just to the east, and the sidewalk also has some cross-slope that may be uncomfortable for some individuals (renovations at this park later in 2022 should address these issues.
  • Public Transit Access: Stops 360 and 361 (Transit Route 1) on Haskell Avenue provide great access to the Loop. There is a short sidewalk going west from Stop 361 that connects to the Burroughs Creek Trail (go left, or south, when you get to the trail from the sidewalk)
  • Restrooms: available seasonally at Burroughs Creek Park (15th Street); none on the Haskell Rail Trail
  • Water Fountains: several on Burroughs Creek Trail; none on Haskell Rail Trail
  • Benches: several on Burroughs Creek Trail; none on Haskell Rail Trail
  • Notes: From the parking lot off of 23rd Street, trail users can go either north or south. Trail users who go north will be on the Burroughs Creek Trail segment of the Loop. It is a mile to 15th Street (Burroughs Creek Park), making for a 2-mile roundtrip hike.

Users going south can use the sidewalk under the 23rd Street overpass to access the Haskell Rail Trail. This trail is approximately ¾ of a mile to 29th Street, or a 1.5-mile roundtrip. There are trees along most of this trail, which provide some shade, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Burroughs Creek Trail provides a series of National Park Service-quality panels known as the “Hike Through History on the Burroughs Creek Trail” with original historic narratives that provide insight into Lawrence’s unique history and cultural identity.

South Lawrence Trafficway Trail from Baker Wetlands

Accessibility Rating: Moderate

On the southern edge of K-10, this trail provides excellent views of the Baker Wetlands and feels miles away from the “hubbub” of urban life. Users of this trail should encounter little to no vehicular traffic. This segment was rated “Moderate” because there are some ups and downs to negotiate, but the changes in elevation are gradual.

  • Parking: There is a parking lot with several accessible parking spaces at the Baker Wetlands and Discovery Center (1365 N. 1250 Road in Lawrence). To access the Loop, leave the parking lot using the sidewalk along the Wetlands entrance to get to Michigan Street. Turning right on Michigan quickly takes one to the Lawrence Trafficway section of the Lawrence Loop heading east. Another option is to park at the Broken Arrow Park off Louisiana Street. A shared use path runs south from the park and passes under K-10 to connect to the trail. It is over a third of a mile from Broken Arrow Park to the Loop.
  • Public transit access: There are no fixed transit stops close to this trail (the closest stops are Stop 328 on Route 15 that stops at the Lawrence College and Career Center and the Peaslee Center on Haskell Avenue , and Stop 7 on Routes 5, 9, and 11 near Kohl’s and Walmart on Iowa Street).
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center when it is open to the public (see https://www.bakeru.edu/history-traditions/the-wetlands/ for information about hours of operation).
  • Water Fountains: Available at the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center during business hours
  • Benches: There are currently no benches along this segment
  • Other notes: From the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center, the trail runs about 2 miles along the northern border of the Baker Wetlands to Haskell Avenue (where the trail continues after turning northward and passing under K-10). The trail provides wonderful views of the wetlands, encompassing 927 acres of rich, natural wildlife. Researchers have identified 487 species of plants, 278 species of birds, and 98 other vertebrate species, making these wetlands one of the most diverse habitats in Kansas. There are a number of natural trails in the wetlands.

Note that there is very little shade on this trail segment, and it can be very hot in full sunshine on a summer day. Plan accordingly!

South Lawrence Trafficway from the Lawrence Arboretum

Accessibility Rating: Easy

This section of the Lawrence Loop runs west from the Lawrence Arboretum and provides an easy, scenic trail experience.

  • Parking: There is parking with several accessible parking spaces at the Lawrence Arboretum, accessed by crossing K-10 highway at the Wakarusa Drive and 27th. From the parking lot, the trail runs in two directions. It is possible to go back towards K-10, but users have to use the pedestrian crossing at Highway K-10 to continue on the Lawrence Loop, which is not comfortable for some users because of the high speed of traffic on the highway.
  • Public transit access: Currently there are no accessible transit stops near this section of the Loop
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available seasonally at the Arboretum
  • Water Fountain: Water fountains are available at the Arboretum seasonally, but there are none along the trail
  • Benches: None along this highlighted trail segment
  • Other notes: Traveling west from the Arboretum this trail passes through a wooded area, but it soon opens into a picturesque meadow. At this point the trail is exposed to the sun, so mid-day this trail can be sunny and, at times of year, very hot. This trail branches as it approaches the dam road at Clinton Lake (after about 1.5 miles). At the branch, users can go right and stay on the Loop heading northward, or they go left and cross over the road to the Clinton Lake dam. Those staying on the Loop will encounter a fairly significant hill climbing towards Clinton Parkway. Those who cross the road will have another half-mile of paved trail before reaching the base of Sanders Mound. It is worth noting that this trail rises very gradually heading west, so the return route is all downhill! There are also trails that circle around the ponds on the Arboretum grounds.

Rock Chalk and Baldwin Creek Trails at Rock Chalk Park

Difficulty Rating: Hard

The Rock Chalk and Baldwin Creek Trails in northwest Lawrence make up a scenic section of the Loop paralleling the Baldwin Creek in valley with beautiful woodlands (including many old, majestic cottonwood trees), meadows, and bluffs along the creek. Using this trail involves negotiating terrain that includes a few steep, although relatively short, climbs, as well as some sustained elevation changes.

  • Parking: The best parking lots for these trails are those by the University of Kansas Tennis Center at Rock Chalk Park. There are numerous accessible spaces in these lots. After parking, if you go west on the shared use path along Rock Chalk Drive (which passes the Tennis Center and the LMH Health West campus), you reach the trail, at which point you will turn right (north) and begin a descent into the valley. It is also possible to park at the LMH Health West Campus.
  • Public Transit Access: Two stops on Route 6 (stop 84 near SportsPavilion Lawrence and Stop 95 near LMH Health West) are near the western end of this trail section just off of Rock Chalk Park Lane.
  • Restrooms: Available at Sports Pavilion Lawrence during business hours (See https://lawrenceks.org/lprd/recreationfacilities/spl/ )
  • Water Fountains: Available at Sports Pavilion Lawrence during business hours
  • Benches: There is one bench along the trail about a half-mile from the southwest beginning/end of the trail that begins at Rock Chalk Park Lane
  • Other notes: These connected trails represent one of the more secluded, picturesque segments of the Lawrence Loop. It is important to remember, if accessing the trail from Rock Chalk Park, it is easy to descend the trail, but the return trip is challenging because of the climb. In the last mile back to Rock Chalk Park the trail has an elevation gain of over 100 feet and it has some short (10-30 feet) but steep (11-12% grade) sections. We encourage trail users to carefully estimate their capacities and be aware that the climb on the return route will provide a significant workout. Those who use powered assistive devices should ensure that they have sufficient battery power to complete this segment of the Loop. Users of non-powered assistive devices should have sufficient strength and stamina to negotiate the uphill return trip.

From the parking lots adjacent to the Tennis Center at Rock Chalk Park to where the trail ends at Queens Road is a 2-mile one way trip (or 4 mile round trip).

Negotiating Gaps

Several sections of the Lawrence Loop remain incomplete. Route descriptions below were prepared to help interested individuals navigate those gaps, using information from the City of Lawrence Bicycle Rideability Map ( https://lawrenceks.org/mpo/bikemap/ ) and the Lawrence-Douglas County Pedestrian Plan ( https://assets.lawrenceks.org/assets/mpo/pedplan/RPP-CompleteVersion.pdf ).

Please note, that these bike routes do include on-street riding, which may not be comfortable/appropriate for all riders. There may also be cracks, gaps, and other discontinuities on sidewalks and trails featured on these directions. OTHER SAFETY INFO/DISCLAIMERS??

For bike riders:

There are two step-by-step routes below for cycling. Both routes skip the trail sections in Burcham Park and Sandra Shaw Park (called the “Outside for a Better Inside” Trail), since including them would necessitate some back-tracking and make for a more complicated route. These routes start in East Lawrence and travel in a counter-clockwise direction.

Option 1: this option includes riding on the Baldwin Creek Trail.

  1. At the end of the Burroughs Creek Trail turn left and proceed west on 11th Street to Delaware Street.
  2. Turn right on Delaware Street and head north to 8th Street.
  3. From the corner of 8th and Delaware go west on 8th..
  4. In two blocks turn right onto New Jersey Street.
  5. New Jersey bends to the left (west) to become 7th Street Stay on 7th Street.
  6. Stay on 7th Street through downtown to Maine Street Turn right on Maine Street.
  7. Take Maine north to 5th Street Turn left on 5th Street.
  8. Take 5th Street west to Wisconsin Street. Turn right on Wisconsin Street.
  9. Take Wisconsin Street north to 2nd Street Turn left on Second Street.
  10. Take 2nd Street west to Iowa Street.
  11. Turn right on Iowa Street.
  12. Take Iowa Street north to Peterson Rd. Turn left on to Peterson Rd.
  13. On Peterson Rd. you can either ride in the roadway or on the shared use path on the north side of the street (this is currently a “disconnected” section of the Lawrence Loop).
  14. Go west on Peterson past Kasold and up the hill to Monterey Way. Past Monterey Way the shared use path ends and the road crosses E 1130 Rd. Take a right at E. 1130 Rd.
  15. Proceed northwest on E. 1130 Road until you reach Queens Rd. Take a left at Queens Rd.
  16. Queens Rd. is currently dirt/gravel, but the entrance to the Baldwin Creek Trail of the Lawrence Loop is only several hundred feet south of E. 1130 Rd., so unless it is muddy it should be easy to ride this short segment.
  17. You are now back on the Loop and can ride about 17 miles all the way back to start.

Option 2: this option bypasses the Baldwin Creek Trail and connects with the Lawrence Loop in Rock Chalk Park.

  1. Follow steps 1-10 above.
  2. Continue west past Iowa. 2nd Street becomes Princeton Blvd. Stay on Princeton Blvd. until you reach Lawrence Ave. Turn left on Lawrence Ave.
  3. Proceed south up the hill on Lawrence Ave. until you reach Trail Rd. Turn right on Trail.
  4. Go west on Trail Rd. It “jogs” north at Monterey Way but continues west. Continue west until you reach Folks Rd. Turn left onto Folks Rd.
  5. Proceed south on Folks Rd. until you reach Overland Road. Turn right on Overland.
  6. Go west until you reach Wakarusa Drive. Turn right onto Wakarusa Drive.
  7. Wakarusa initially goes north and then turns west becoming Rock Chalk Drive (you will pass through a roundabout at Queens Road and an intersection at George Williams Way).
  8. Wakarusa becomes Rock Chalk Drive. Continue on Rock Chalk Park past the Jayhawk Tennis Center on the right and LMH Health West on the left. When you reach Renaissance Drive you will continue across the roadway and turn left onto the South Lawrence Trafficway section of the Lawrence Loop.
  9. You are now back on the Loop and can ride about 17 miles all the way back to the start.

For pedestrians:

There are two options presented here, one which includes the Burcham Park and Outside for a Better Inside Trails, and one which excludes those trails and Peterson Road to create a more direct route. This route begins at 9th and Delaware just north of Hobbs Park and takes pedestrians all the way west across town to connect to the South Lawrence Trafficway section of the Lawrence Loop by Rock Chalk Park. It travels the Loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

Option 1 (includes Burcham Park and Outside for a Better Inside Trails)

  1. From 9th and Delaware Streets go west on 9th Street to Massachusetts (to walk through the heart of downtown) or one more block to Vermont Street Turn right onto either street.
  2. When you reach 6th turn left before crossing the street.
  3. Head west on 6th to Kentucky Street. Turn right to take the painted crosswalk across 6th Street into Constant Park. Take the shared use path into Constant Park.
  4. While in the park there is a trail that goes right and crosses an unsignalized train crossing into Burcham Park. Carefully proceed through the train crossing, at which point you are on the Burcham Park Trail segment of the Lawrence Loop.
  5. Go through Burcham Park, past the parking area. The trail ends on the roadway leading into the park near a signalized train crossing. Go over the train crossing, after which you will see the Sandra Shaw Park and the Outside for a Better Inside Trail to the right. Get onto the trail.
  6. The trail ends at Maine Street. Go south on Maine Street to 6th Street turn right onto 6th.
  7. Take 6th Street all the way west to Wakarusa Drive. Turn right onto Wakarusa.
  8. Wakarusa heads north and then curves west. It crosses through a roundabout at Queens Rd. and an intersection at George Williams Way. The road becomes Rock Chalk Drive which passes the Jayhawk Tennis Center in Rock Chalk Park (on the right) and LMH West Campus (on the left) until reaching Renaissance Drive When you cross Renaissance Drive and turn right onto the South Lawrence Trafficway trail.
  9. You are back now back on the Lawrence Loop! The trail continues south and wraps around Lawrence’s southern edge and then heads back north into town. You can take this all the way back to the start (approximately 15 miles).

Option 2 (does not include Burcham Park and Outside for a Better Inside Trails)

  1. From the intersection of 9th and Delaware, go west on 9th Street to Massachusetts (to walk through the heart of downtown) or one more block to Vermont Street Turn right onto either street.
  2. When you reach 6th Street turn left. You can use the sidewalk on either side of 6th Street.
  3. Take 6th Street all the way west to Wakarusa Drive Turn right onto Wakarusa.
  4. Wakarusa heads north and then curves west. It crosses through a roundabout at Queens Rd. and an intersection at George Williams Way. The road becomes Rock Chalk Drive which passes the Jayhawk Tennis Center in Rock Chalk Park (on the right) and LMH West Campus (on the left) until reaching Renaissance Drive When you cross Renaissance Drive and turn right onto the South Lawrence Trafficway trail.
  5. You are back now back on the Lawrence Loop! The trail continues south and wraps around Lawrence’s southern edge and then heads back north into town. You can take this all the way back to the start (approximately 15 miles).

Note: Both pedestrian options skip the Baldwin Creek Section of the Lawrence Loop which is not readily accessible using other trails or sidewalks. However, you can turn right onto the Baldwin Creek Trail (before crossing Renaissance Drive) if you want to use that segment. If you do take that segment it will end at Queens Rd., at which point in time you’ll either have to get back into town using roads, or reverse direction to head back towards Rock Chalk Park.

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