Elk City Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk City Lake |
|
|---|---|
 Elk City Lake
Location in Kansas
Elk City Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
|
|
| Location | Montgomery County, Kansas |
| Coordinates | 37°15′27″N 95°48′08″W / 37.2574246°N 95.8022572°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Surface area | 4,500 acres (1,800 ha) |
| Settlements | Elk City, Independence |
The Elk City Reservoir is a large lake in Kansas. It is located about 7 miles (11 km) east of Elk City, Kansas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dam that created this lake.
Elk City Lake has about 4,500 acres (18 square kilometers) of water. It also has 12,000 acres (49 square kilometers) of land for wildlife. The lake's shoreline stretches for over 50 miles (80 km). This makes it a great place for outdoor adventures.
Contents
Discover Elk City Lake
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake. It is made by building a dam across a river. This helps to store water for different uses. Reservoirs can provide drinking water, control floods, or create electricity. They also offer fun places for people to visit.
Elk City Lake is a reservoir. It was built to help manage the Elk River. Today, it is a popular spot for many outdoor activities.
Fun Activities at the Lake
Elk City Lake is a fantastic place for outdoor fun. You can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming. The large area of water and land means there is plenty to explore. Many people visit to enjoy nature and relax.
The lake is also surrounded by lots of land. This land is set aside for wildlife. It helps protect different animals and plants. This makes the area a great spot for nature lovers.
Explore the Trails
Elk City Lake is famous for its hiking trails. There are six different trails to explore. Two of these trails are extra special. They have been named National Trails. This means they are recognized for their beauty and importance.
Elk River Hiking Trail
The scenic Elk River hiking trail is 15 miles (24 km) long. It starts near the dam. Then it goes west to a bridge over the Elk River. This trail is perfect for long hikes. You can see beautiful views along the way.
Table Mound Hiking Trail
The Table Mound hiking trail is 2.75 miles (4.4 km) long. It runs along the east side of the lake. This trail starts at a scenic overlook near the dam. It ends at the Timber Road campground. It is a great choice for a shorter hike.
Other Exciting Trails
There are other trails for you to discover:
- The Post Oak Self-Guided Nature Trail is 2/3 miles long. It is located at the scenic overlook.
- The Green Thumb Nature Trail is 1 mile long. You can find it at the Timber Road campground.
- The South Squaw Multipurpose Trail is 3.3 miles long. It is paved and easy for everyone to use.
- The Timber Ridge Hiking Trail is 2.33 miles long. It is located southwest of the lake.
- The Eagle Rock Mountain Biking Trail is four miles long. It starts along the Elk River, just north of the lake's outlet. This trail is great for biking.
These trails offer different lengths and challenges. They let you see the lake and its surroundings up close. You can enjoy walking, running, or biking.
