Belvue Boat Ramp & the National Water Trails
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The Kansas River has been designated one of this nations "National Water Trails". It was the 6th so designated river system to be declared as such. The Kansas River is one of the world's longest prairie rivers, providing countless opportunities for recreation and also provides a habitat for wildlife/fish, as well as drinking water, irrigation, and electricity for communities.
The National Water Trails System has been established in order to protect/restore the nations rivers, shorelines, and waterways. It also conserves natural areas along waterways, as well as, increase access to outdoor recreational activities on shorelines and waterways.
The Kansas River flows roughly 173 miles from its beginning just east of Junction City, KS, at the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill River(s) and ends with its confluence with the Missouri River at Kaw Point in the KCK area. The Kansas River basin contains mostly sedimentary rock. In the western part of the basin, sand and gravel can be found, which is brought down from the Rocky Mountains from its numerous tributaries. In the eastern portion, there is a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and large boulders.
Long before Euro-Americans knew anything about the Kansas River, This river system was used for transportation by Native American tribes living along its banks. The Kansas River was named for the Kaw, or Kansa, Indians that lived in the state of Kansas. The river is also known as Kaw, Kansa, or Kansas.
Today, the river is considered navigable for recreational purposes, with very few access points to the river. In 2012, the Kansas River was designated as a National Water Trail, part of a ever growing network of water trails across the USA. Currently, there are now 19 public access ramps to the river, with the newest access point being dedicated in October 2013 at the Belvue, KS, boat ramp.
There are access boat ramps in Junction City, Ogden, Manhattan, St. George, Wamego, Belvue, Topeka, Lecompton, Lawrence, Eudora, DeSoto, Edwardsville, and Kansas City. Some communities have more than one access point.
The Kansas River offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking/bicycling/horseback riding (at designated trails), bird/wildlife watching, etc. The Kansas River is also well known for observing BALD EAGLES whenever they are in the area.
I saw a news special sometime in October 2013 (forget the date) about the dedication for this boat ramp. After paying a visit and exploring the area, decided to place a geocache at this location in order to help promote public awareness of this access ramp, the Kansas River, the National Water Trail System. Also, I was curious when all of a sudden there were signs with the National Water Trail logo being placed on certain road signs pointing the way to the Kansas River. After some research, discovered the reason why they now exist (see photos).
There is a small camping site at the Belvue Boat Ramp. Also, if undertaking your own boating excursion along the Kansas River, camping is only allowed at designated locations or on the numerous islands/sandbars. The river banks are considered private property, unless otherwise designated. Utilize proper safety precautious when boating/camping/etc. along the river.
To get to this boat ramp, travel east/west on US Hwy 24. Just on the eastern outskirts of the town of Belvue, KS, turn south at the intersection with Mills Road. Travel south until you come to the parking area. OR just float the river until you get to the boat ramp. There will be a short and adventurous hike to GZ, nothing to brag about.
Parking coordinates are:
N39* 12.191 W096* 10.534
Sources:
http://www.nps.gov/watertrails/
http://www.KSRiverTrail.com
http://www.travelks.com/ksrivertrail/
Kansas River Trail Map & Brochure
Additional Hints
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