Waterfalls in Kansas? Yep, that’s right. Located in the Midwest, Kansas is usually thought to consist of miles and miles of flat prairie land—but you’d be surprised to learn how many of these natural wonders are just waiting to be discovered in the region. From the seasonal cascades of Geary Lake Falls to the dynamic plunge of Alma Falls, here’s your guide to must-visit waterfalls in Kansas.
1. Geary Lake Falls (Junction City, Kansas)
Despite being one of the most beautiful falls in Kansas, it’s not very well-known because there are no markers for it. Located in Geary County State Park, the falls are created by an overflow from Geary State Lake after heavy rains. Finding the falls is pretty easy; walk across the dam pathway (it’s not official but noticeable due to foot traffic), and you’ll begin to hear the flow of the falls. You can see the falls from above or hike below to see 35-foot cascades flow over the rigid rock shelf. It’s important to note the waterfall doesn’t flow consistently, so unless it’s a rainy season, there may not be much to look at.
2. Prather Creek Falls/Chase Lake Falls (Cottonwood Falls, Kansas)
Another seasonal waterfall – it’s created from the overflow of Chase Lake, Prather Creek Falls (also known as Chase Lake Falls) is a little more out of the way but well worth the journey. If you’re leaving from the nearby city of Cottonwood Falls, you’ll head west to Chase Lake Falls Trail and park at the lake’s northernmost point. An easy, 30-minute walk across the dam awaits you, with scenic views of the lush Flint Hills. The upper portion of Chase Lake Falls is located just beyond the end of the dam, with a trail decorated with native wildflowers like sunflowers and geranium during spring. However, you don’t have to stop there, as the waterfall has two more tiers further downhill.
3. Santa Fe Lake Falls (Augusta, Kansas)
This spot is only a 10-minute drive from the neighboring city of Augusta, and like most of the other hidden gems on this list, the falls formed thanks to a community lake and dam. Taking the northern path past Dry Creek, you’ll find the falls flowing down a ledge of multi-layered rocks and into the lake. You can walk alongside the cliffside for a birds-eye perspective of the stream or take the lush 1.7-mile Santa Fe Lake South Trail to hike past hardwood trees, enjoy panoramic lake views, and engage in some light rock climbing. Remember it can get muddy, so be careful if you visit after rainfall.
4. Cowley County Falls (Ark City, Kansas)
Named one of the “Top 12 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in America” by Yahoo Travel, Cowley County Falls is an impressive 25-foot curtain of water in the Cowley County State Fishing Lake. The falls are a bit of a hike and concealed, but the park has signs pointing the way. Park at the west end of the lake and prepare for a downhill path to the falls. You’ll be able to see the water from the start of the trail, but up close is where it’s most impressive as the water flows off the ledge of limestone and into an emerald-hued pool below.
5. Rock Creek Falls (Fort Scott, Kansas)
A waterfall that’s most impressive after some rain, Rock Creek Falls is west of Fort Scott. From the north end of Rock Creek Lake, you’ll walk the gravel road that stretches across the dam to find the falls just beyond a turnaround. There are several “levels” for you to explore the further down you go, with the most impressive waterfall waiting at the bottom. Deep woods surround the area, making the creek a great place to bring a canoe and float down a dreamy path of lush trees and trickling waters.
6. Angel Falls (Lansing, Kansas)
Perhaps one of the most accessible waterfalls on this list, Angel Falls is located just behind St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lansing. Taking the paved Angel Falls Trail, you’ll come across a charming three-foot-tall fall that streams over a rocky ledge into a stream below. Bring a bike or your hiking shoes to travel the rest of the half-mile trail, which is surrounded by a lush canopy of trees.
7. Deep Creek Falls (Manhattan, Kansas)
These charming falls at the Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife may not be the largest, but they are one of the more scenic areas just southeast of Manhattan, Kansas. Located on the north side of Pillsbury Crossing, you’ll have to hike down a steep 30-foot incline to get to the falls, so where good hiking shoots. Near the falls, you’ll find hiking trails and places for canoeing and kayaking – it’s a pretty popular area during the summer months.
Bonus Falls: Alma Falls (Alma, Kansas)
The tiny city of Alma isn’t home to much, but its nearby attraction of Alma City Lake offers plenty to explore. The falls are on the lake’s southwest corner and feature a dynamic set of rocky drop-offs that split the water into hundreds of tiny streams. Naturally, it’s most impressive when water flow is high, but if you’ve come during a season with low rainfall, it turns into the perfect hunting ground for fossils.
