Bike & Trails
2024 VOLUNTEER DAYS:
June 22nd
July 20th
August 17th
September 28th
October 26th
November 9th
December 7th
Bikes and trails have been a big part of the Thrive story since our inception. Since 2007, Allen County went from zero miles of trails to over 60 miles, added bike route networks, as well as implementing an innovative bike share program. Trails and bikes have become a part of our identity as a community. In the context of a small rural Kansas county, that’s pretty remarkable. Whether you’re a resident of Allen County or just rolling through, our trails are something everyone can enjoy.
Interested in volunteering? One Saturday every month we host a Volunteer Work Day on the trails. Typically these events are from 9am-3pm, although all are welcome to come and go as they please. Specific work locations vary, but please contact us if you aren’t sure of where to meet. Please bring water, wear weather-appropriate clothing, and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants. Tools and gloves are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
ALLEN COUNTY TRAILS
Allen County Trails
Allen County is the King of Trails
Allen County’s network of trails features amazing diversity, including rails-to-trails, paved trails, gravel trails, dirt trails, nature trails, mountain bike trails, and fitness trails. This community sees trails as part of a holistic approach to health, recreation, transportation infrastructure, tourism destinations, and quality-of-life amenities.
Allen County Trail Magazine
Allen County Trail Magazine
To obtain a physical copy of the Trail Magazine, visit our office at 9 S Jefferson Ave, Iola, KS 66749 or find a copy at other local offices, including libraries, city offices, and more.
Follow Lehigh Trails on Facebook for updates and information.
Follow Lehigh Trails on Facebook
for updates and information.
Allen County Bike Share is a FREE program that allows people to borrow bikes to explore the streets and trails of our communities. Unlike commercial bike share systems in large cities, which require a large up-front investment in GPS-enabled bikes, docking stations, and payment systems, our bike share uses a simpler model that features sturdy single-speed cruiser bicycles, and a user-friendly way to check out bikes. To take a bike out for a spin, all you need to do is provide a picture ID, and sign a Waiver Form.
Allen County Bike Share bikes are available from the following locations:
- Thrive Allen County: 9 South Jefferson Avenue, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-8128
- SEK Recovery Resources Recovery House: 16 N Buckeye St, Iola KS 66749, 620-380-6008
- Allen Community College Library: 1801 N. Cottonwood, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-5116 x6235
- Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas: 2501 N State St, Iola, KS 66749, 620-380-6600
- Housing Authority of Iola: 217 N Washington Ave, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-5143
- Iola Public Library: 218 E Madison Ave, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-3262
- La Harpe City Hall: 902 S Washington, La Harpe, KS, 66751, 620-496-2241
- Marmaton Market: 129 W Randolph St, Moran, KS 66755, 620-237-4591
- Savonburg Public Library: 101 S Walnut St, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-754-3835
Users must be 12 years of age or older. Bikes may be checked out by both residents and visitors.
For a complete map of locations, click HERE.
For more information or to request an addition to the Bike Share Program, contact Patrick Zirjacks or call our office at 620-365-8128.
For more information or to request an addition to the Bike Share Program,
contact Patrick Zirjacks or call our office at 620-365-8128.
Allen County Bike Share is a FREE program that allows people to borrow bikes to explore the streets and trails of our communities. Unlike commercial bike share systems in large cities, which require a large up-front investment in GPS-enabled bikes, docking stations, and payment systems, our bike share uses a simpler model that features sturdy single-speed cruiser bicycles, and a user-friendly way to check out bikes. To take a bike out for a spin, all you need to do is provide a picture ID, and sign a Waiver Form.
Allen County Bike Share bikes are available from the following locations:
Thrive Allen County: 9 South Jefferson Avenue, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-8128
SEK Recovery Resources Recovery House: 16 N Buckeye St, Iola KS 66749, 620-380-6008
Allen Community College Library: 1801 N. Cottonwood, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-5116 x6235
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas: 2501 N State St, Iola, KS 66749, 620-380-6600
Housing Authority of Iola: 217 N Washington Ave, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-5143
Iola Public Library: 218 E Madison Ave, Iola, KS 66749, 620-365-3262
La Harpe City Hall: 902 S Washington, La Harpe, KS, 66751, 620-496-2241
Marmaton Market: 129 W Randolph St, Moran, KS 66755, 620-237-4591
Savonburg Public Library: 101 S Walnut St, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-754-3835
Users must be 12 years of age or older. Bikes may be checked out by both residents and visitors.
For a complete map of locations, click HERE.
LEHIGH PORTLAND STATE PARK
LEHIGH PORTLAND STATE PARK
Lehigh Portland State Park is the product of a years-long project led by Thrive and Iola Industries. The land was donated to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in 2023 by Iola Industries, and Thrive is contracted as the Grounds Supervisor for the trails. Lehigh Portland sits on the site of a former cement plant with the area now being a natural sanctuary, sitting on over 360 acres of land with a massive variety of natural sites to see. Everything from deep woodland, Kansas prairie, gorgeous coastal cliffs, and even a cave can be explored in the park. This picturesque place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Crisscrossing across the park are around 14 miles of trails. There are around 2.5 miles of gravel trails at the park including the around 1.2 mile long “backbone trail.” Alongside it are 12.5 miles of dirt trails perfect for mountain biking, trail running, and nature hikes!
Trail Access:
Eastern Trailhead – 1600th and Nebraska Road, Iola, KS 66749
(37.907606, -95.390773)
Western Trailhead – Washington Avenue, adjacent to Elm Creek Park South, Iola, KS 66749
(37.910114, -95.405564)
For more information and frequently asked questions on Lehigh Portland State park, please visit www.TravelKS.com or contact Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.
John Leahy
Director of Trails
John Leahy is Thrive’s Director of Trails. He is responsible for overseeing the free bike-share program, coordinating and implementing the earn-a-bike program, working with Thrive’s partners to develop and construct new trails, and maintaining current trail systems.
John received his bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2015). Prior to joining Thrive, John has worked in landscaping, professional theater, private security, and, most recently, education.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending his time working to restore his early 1900s home, assisting his fiancé in building sets for plays, and spoiling his cat.
Contact: johnl@thriveallencounty.org
Taryn Gregg
Bike & Trails Coordinator
Contact: taryn@thriveallencounty.org
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Work on trails, clean up communities,
and build a healthier tomorrow.
Visit our Volunteer Opportunities Page
for more info and to sign-up!
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