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Upcoming Events

Biking Event
- - August 22, 2026 - Third Annual Dornwood Barn Burner
Trail Work Days
- - August 15, 2026 - 8am @ Skyline Park

Weekly Group Hikes, Runs, and Rides
- Visit our Facebook page to stay up to date on our weekly rides

Directions to Kaw River State Park

Directions to Skyline Park

Directions to Dornwood Park

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Who We Are

Top City Trails Alliance is a volunteer only nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded with the goal to maintain and build multiuse trails at the Kaw River State Park in Topeka, KS. We have a strong inspiration to provide the best trails in the area and to help foster a community who loves and cares for the area as much as we do.

Since our inception we have taken on a strong role working with Shawnee County Park and Recreation in the management of Skyline Park. We continue to work with Kansas Department of Parks and Recreation in the management of Kaw River State Park. We have added miles of new trails located around the KTWU tower located to the west of Kaw. More trails are on the way and we are excited for you to experience them.

We can't wait to have you join us and help us achieve our goals in giving you the best trails in the area.

Join or Donate

Donations to TCTA allows us to:

Maintain, manage, and repair current trails and land/ forest health
Be good trail stewards by providing well maintained trail systems to benefit the well being of our community
Purchasing of supplies equipment and supplies to continue providing the best trails in Topeka
Hold social gatherings and weekly group rides

Membership - $50

Donation

Top City Trails Alliance

2 days ago

In preparation for the 3rd annual Barn Burner event let’s dive into the history of Dornwood. Dornwood Park of Topeka has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900’s when it was part of the Dornwood Dairy Farm. The farm was initially owned by T.F. Doran and featured state-of-the-art facilities for its time. It touted pure bred Jersey cattle, describing the farm as an early 20th Century “model” dairy. Milk distribution from the farm’s wagons was well-known in Topeka, selling at 10 cents a quart. The farm’s management, including T. F. Doran and manager O. M. Estes, took pride in the operation’s quality and reputation.Evolving from pastureland of the former Dornwood Dairy Farm the Dornwood Park and its trail system showcase remnants of old stone dairy structures, giving visitors a window into the area's agricultural past and natural beauty. Dornwood Park spans approximately 159.7 acres and is located in southeast Topeka and was one of the first mountain bike trails in Topeka. Visitors can enjoy an array of amenities including five baseball/softball fields, a playground, restrooms, concessions and the Dornwood Spray Park – a recent addition in 2016. The natural surface trail system known as the Dornwood Nature Trails covers roughly 9.9 miles of singletrack and grass trails present on both sides of the scenic Deer Creek. Biking and hiking enthusiasts particularly favor these trails for their varied terrain—forested switchbacks, abandoned quarries, hardwood groves, prairie expanses, and serene waterways.Another recent addition to Dornwood Park is the Deer Creek Trail is a scenic, 4.36-mile concrete pathway that follows Deer Creek from SE 2nd Street to SE 25th Street, connecting to Dornwood Park. It intersects with the Shunga Trail at SE Golden Avenue, providing a seamless route for hikers and bikers. From there, trail users can travel west to Lake Shawnee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Shawnee County for an additional seven miles of concrete trail circling the lake.The trails at Dornwood Park are generally rated intermediate—they're not overly technical but offer short climbs, flowing downhill sections, and fast, fun riding. The overall topography is rolling. The first loop is a series of flowy trails and climbs, the second loop offers flowing “woopty-doos” – small rolling drops that riders enjoy repeating; and the third loop offers a challenge with flowing downhill sections with five short and engaging rock features. The original trailhead is located at the end of SE 25th Street (east of California Ave.)— drive past the ball fields and park in the lot at the dead-end. A newer minimally marked trailhead is located on SE Wittenberg Drive. There is also parking available at the DE Doc and Nina H. Robinson Park located just to the south. The Dornwood Trails have historical charm (with remnants of the old dairy), creek-side views, and quiet setting make it a local gem well worth exploring. They represent the only natural surface trails located in eastern Topeka.Preregister today!www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=435995&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNDM3NjI2MzE2OTc... ... See MoreSee Less

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