Banner Creek Reservoir North Camp Loop Trail is a 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Holton, Kansas that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Great trail weaving in and out of grass lands and low lying woods.
I completed the entire lake trail this evening. It is 13.3 miles. The trail conditions are not as bad as expected with the recent rain. I did have to cut off trail or turn around a few times, but I didn’t have to switch over to my boots at all. Feet stayed 95% dry with running shoes. I did run some of this trail. Expect it to take a bit longer if strictly hiking. I also only stoped to take pictures (which I did a lot of) and once to drink some water. Easy to follow. Loved it, would recommend completing the full trail!
This trail has many different skill levels. You can stick to the main trail, which is paved, or you can hike all the way around the lake, which is what I did. Lots of pretty views and the trail is well maintained. There are trail maps posted every couple of miles so you don’t have to worry much about getting lost.
There is actually a trail around the entire lake which I estimated to be 15 miles...according to the MapMyRun app. It is easy to difficult. The brochure I picked up calls it a "nature trail which you can hike or bike 13 miles of trails including 3 miles of ADA approved trail and are single-track consisting of packed earth & grass...rated easy to moderate...features native grass and woodland areas...rustic foot bridges and wildflower plots". I have gone around it twice and the loop several times. Recently, they hosted a chuckwagon event with horses so the last time around I used a few of the horse trails where the nature trail was less maintained. It is very rugged and needs some maintenance. There are also wilderness signs to read towards the dam. The trail is not well marked so keep your bearings. I live nearby so it's a great local trail for me and I'm proud to say we at least have a great one in our community. It does cost $3.00 at the gate. I don't mind because the dollars keep the lake spiffied up. Website: www.bannerreservoir.com Facebook Email: bannercreekreservoir@yahoo.com If you geocache, I have a friend who says there are over 100 there. Camping, swimming, boating, birdwatching, horse trails, a chapel & shelter houses.