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Smoky Valley

Scenic Byway

As the sun begins to rise, the valley’s endless horizons awake slowly in a blue haze. And as the sun sets along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, those same hills fade into smoky azure. This scenic loop is filled with unexpected landscapes and colorful flora. Those wishing to unplug and unwind can find peace in the silence of the hills. Others that enjoy flexing their observational prowess may relish the area’s geocaching culture. There’s not a wrong way to experience this route.

The 60-mile journey runs a "U-Shape" through the communities in the Smoky Hill River Valley and comes packed with amenities and things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of parks and nature surrounding Cedar Bluff State Park. Those in search of great local food or accommodations for overnight lodging will happily find many vacation rentals, cabins, and even premier camping spots! Last but not least, don't forget to visit the many historical sites and landmarks in the area, as you'll find attractions related to Walter P. Chrysler, the railroad industry, and the battle of Iwo Jima in WWII.

  • Driving Directions

    Distance: 60 miles

    Loop 1 - WaKeeney to Ogallah: Start at I-70 exit 127 for US-283 in WaKeeney, KS. Head south on US-283 for roughly 25 miles until you reach K-4. Make a left on K-4 and continue towards Brownell, KS for about 9 miles. Turn left onto K-177 just east of Brownell, KS, and head north for another 25 miles towards Ogallah, KS. Along the way to Ogallah, be sure to check out the scenic Cedar Bluff State Park. The route concludes once you reach exit 135 off I-70 for Ogallah.

    Loop 2 - Ogallah to WaKeeney: Start at I-70 exit 135 for Ogallah, KS. Head south on K-177 for roughly 25 miles towards Brownell, KS.  Along the way to Brownell, be sure to check out the scenic Cedar Bluff State Park. Once you reach K-4 by Brownell, make a right onto K-4 and continue for about 9 more miles until you reach US-283. Turn right onto US-283 and head north towards WaKeeney, KS. The route concludes at WaKeeney.

  • Plan Your Road Trip

    Butterfield Trail Museum

    This 1887 two story renaissance-style structure of brick and stone with mansard roof was originally the Logan County Courthouse. Now it…

    Threshing Machine Canyon

    One of the best-kept secrets in the state, Threshing Machine Canyon, lies near the park. Located along the old Butterfield Overland Despatch…

    Wilcox School

    The Wilcox School - District 29 - is only one of a few remaining rural schoolhouses in Trego County. The school served Wilcox Township, a…

    Iwo Jima Memorial

    The Iwo Jima Memorial was originally located at the present site of the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney. Several years before the…

    Shiloh Vineyard & Winery

    Shiloh Vineyard is a small family-owned winery founded in 2008 by Kirk & Treva Johnston in a quest to bring wine-making to the plains of…

    Ponderosa Tree Farm

    Wholesale Tree Farm and Nursery (Seasonal Pre-Cut Christmas Trees, Specially Ordered Evergreens, & Deciduous Trees in Stock for Sale to…

  • Things to do along the way

    Photos

    Kansas Byways

    Western Vistas

    Visit a rugged landscape on the culturally and visually fascinating route known as the Western Vistas Historic Byway. 

    Glacial Hills

    The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. 

    Post Rock

    Over the Smoky Hills of weathered bedrock, the Post Rock Scenic Byway winds through fields, pastures and prairie.

    Frontier Military

    Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and…

    Prairie Trail

    When you travel the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, you follow in the steps of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers as they sought food…

    Flint Hills

    The Flint Hills National Scenic Byway offers incredible views of the native grasses and flowers of the tallgrass prairie - one of the last…

    Kansas Route 66

    Kansas' Historic Route 66 Byway offers opportunities for visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences to "get their own kicks…

    Wetlands & Wildlife

    Along the byway, you'll encounter landscapes and communities shaped by the powerful forces of motion and change. You're entering a…

    Native Stone

    Discover the natural beauty of the panoramic Native Stone Scenic Byway.

    Gypsum Hills

    Ancient floodplains, buttes, canyons, mesas and sinkholes are rare on the Great Plains. Yet, nestled in the Kansas grasslands is the Gypsum…

    Land & Sky

    Travelers along the Land and Sky Scenic Byway have the opportunity to experience the Wallace Branch of the Great Western Cattle Trail, scale…

    For more information about the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway, contact:

    Cathy Albert or Lynelle Shubert
    WaKeeney Travel & Tourism
    1-877-962-7248 

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