Grassland Walk – Mushroom Rock Sp

Distance: 1.5 miles Elevation Gain: 100 ft Difficulty: Easy Type: Loop Surface: Dirt/Rock Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round Typical Time: 1-2 hours Fee: $5-8/vehicle Dogs: Yes, on leash Permit: No

The Grassland Walk at Mushroom Rock explores the restored tallgrass prairie surrounding the geological formations, providing context for the natural setting that early Plains travelers would have encountered. Big bluestem grass reaches head height by August, and Indian grass and sideoats grama complete the tall grass community. Dickcissels, meadowlarks, and grasshopper sparrows nest in the grass through summer. The restoration program has successfully returned dozens of native grass and wildflower species to this section of the Smoky Hills.