Shawnee Mission Park Orange, Violet, and Red Trail is a 6.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Shawnee Mission, Kansas that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
There are three bike/hike trails here. Violet loop is an advanced trail that is pretty rocky. Orange loop which is an intermediate trail. The violet trail is a little rocky.
I really enjoyed this trail, if you’re looking to do the 6.5 mile loop I suggest starting at Shelter 8 and then going to Walnut Grove, the signs are easier to follow that way. The violet trail consists of 3 loops (2.85, 1, and .7 miles) and a connector (.76miles) so you can change up your length and/or direction. Part of the violet trail is also equestrian so there is some poop to watch out for. I went on a Sunday late afternoon and it was pretty busy but then I also went Tuesday and Wednesday after work and the trails weren’t too busy. It is very rocky, there are some roots sticking out and some fallen trees (makes for a more interesting hike in my opinion) also various inclines. I’d suggest bringing water, especially in the heat and there is a nozzle on the connector that you can refill. Lastly it does close when/after it rains to avoid damaging the trails so be aware of that.