Rocky Ford State Fishing Area
A peaceful spot with paved trails, a waterfall, and fishing opportunities, ideal for walks and nature observation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Rocky Ford State Fishing Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful spot with paved trails, a waterfall, and fishing opportunities, ideal for walks and nature observation.
"Great location for a nice peaceful walk, with a nice waterfall and decent fishing."
Watch for E-bikes!
Trails are shared. Be mindful of fast-moving electric bikes and blind corners. :warning:
Leash Your Pets
Family and dog-friendly, but keep dogs on leashes for everyone's safety. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paved Walking Trails
Enjoy an easy, family-friendly walk or bike ride on smooth, paved paths with shaded benches.
Scenic Waterfall
Discover a charming waterfall, offering a picturesque spot for a moment of natural beauty.
River Access for Fishing
Cast a line in the river, known for gar, catfish, and drum. Watch out for rocky snags.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trails
Fishing & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Watch for E-bikes!
Trails are shared. Be mindful of fast-moving electric bikes and blind corners. :warning:
Leash Your Pets
Family and dog-friendly, but keep dogs on leashes for everyone's safety. :dog:
Fishing Bait
Lots of gar here! Also good for catfish and drum. Bring appropriate bait. :fishingpoleand_line:
Trail Hazards
Edges of paved trails can be raised. Watch your step to avoid sprains. :athletic_shoe:
Fishing spots around town?
Tips
from all over the internet
Watch for E-bikes!
Trails are shared. Be mindful of fast-moving electric bikes and blind corners. :warning:
Leash Your Pets
Family and dog-friendly, but keep dogs on leashes for everyone's safety. :dog:
Fishing Bait
Lots of gar here! Also good for catfish and drum. Bring appropriate bait. :fishingpoleand_line:
Trail Hazards
Edges of paved trails can be raised. Watch your step to avoid sprains. :athletic_shoe:
Restroom Status
Pit toilets are available at the trailhead, but reviews suggest they can be in poor condition. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rocky Ford State Fishing Area offers pleasant paved trails suitable for walking and biking, with a nice waterfall feature. Anglers can find opportunities for gar, catfish, and drum, and bird-watching is also a highlight. However, visitors should be cautious of fast electric bikes on trails, potential tripping hazards, and unmarked drop-offs. The restrooms are noted as being in poor condition.
"Pros: Tails are paved
CONS: Trails can be dangerous with the blind corners and electric biker riders going to fast.
Fishing is ok but not great,
Restrooms are horrible
This is a good place to walk if your ok with electric bikes cruising past you at 15 mph. Seriously though this place needs to address electric bikes and the speeds they reach. The sidewalks are barely wide enough to walk 4 people side by side. The trail has several areas where there are steep drop-offs that are not marked which could be dangerous for kids. I will also state that the sidewalk can be a bit of a hazard as the edges of the sidewalk are raised quite a bit and could cause people to sprain their ankles. The area needs grading to make this less of a lawsuit situation. This is not my opinion but my professional assessment as a landscape designer."
Brandon Johnson
"The trail is all paved and an easy walk around. There are benches that you can sit and rest in the shade. You can take a stroller down this trail. It is family and dog friendly. We had our dogs on leashes but there were a few who did not. Most of the view to the river was obscured by trees and brush. There is a pit toilet at the trail head.
We walked 2.27 miles out and back.
This was a nice morning walk and we would go again.
There were a few people fishing and we saw 4 couples walking the trail and bike riders. Everyone was polite and respectful."
LaWanda Shaw
"Great location for a nice peaceful walk. We haven't really caught any fish at the dam area, but I have enjoyed my time in mother nature's world every time we go. Although have witnessed 2 crimes while we were there. Hence only 4 stars. So be on alert. There are people everywhere, so things do happen."
Jeanetta Lynn Tedder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rocky Ford State Fishing Area is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found using GPS or mapping services. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead for visitors.
Information on public transport access is limited. Driving is the most common method of arrival.
The main access point is via the paved trail system which leads to the river.
The area is generally easy to find with GPS navigation. Look for signage indicating the fishing area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Rocky Ford State Fishing Area, suggesting it is free to access.
Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but it's generally assumed to be open during daylight hours for recreational use.
Yes, a valid Kansas fishing license is required to fish in the area.
There is no information available about reserving spots or picnic areas. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
No specific permits are mentioned for walking or bird-watching. Standard regulations apply.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife
Anglers commonly catch gar, catfish, and drum. Some have also reported catching other species.
One user mentioned that Rocky Ford was 'not good for bass' and 'heavily pressured.'
Given the prevalence of gar, bait suitable for them would be recommended. Catfish and drum can be caught with standard bait.
Yes, it's noted as a pretty nice place for bird-watching.
Standard fishing regulations for Kansas apply. Be aware of potential snags on rocks near the water.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trails are paved and suitable for walking, strollers, and biking. However, be cautious of blind corners and fast electric bikes.
While family-friendly, some areas have steep drop-offs that are not marked, which could be a concern for young children.
There is a pit toilet at the trailhead, but reviews indicate they are in poor condition.
Yes, the area is dog-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash.
The view of the river can be obscured by trees and brush. There is a nice waterfall feature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure pets are leashed if brought along. The condition of the pit toilet at the trailhead is noted as poor, so plan accordingly. The overall experience can be a pleasant nature outing, but requires active supervision and awareness of the potential hazards mentioned in reviews.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will also appreciate the bird-watching opportunities. The area provides a tranquil setting for enjoying the outdoors, even if fishing isn't your primary interest. It's a place to connect with nature, take a leisurely stroll, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trail Safety and Etiquette
Adhering to trail etiquette is crucial for a positive experience. Keeping pets on a leash is a standard requirement and ensures the safety and comfort of other visitors and wildlife. While the trails are generally described as family and dog-friendly, respecting these guidelines helps maintain a harmonious environment. The presence of both recreational users and those fishing means a shared space that requires mutual consideration. Being polite and respectful to fellow visitors contributes to the overall peaceful atmosphere of the area.
Fishing Prospects and Wildlife
Beyond fishing, the area is also recognized for its bird-watching potential. Visitors can enjoy observing local avian life while spending time in nature. The Western Heritage Trail, mentioned in one review, offers a pleasant diversion for those accompanying fishermen. While the primary draw for many is fishing, the natural setting provides a broader appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a place where you can enjoy a peaceful morning or afternoon surrounded by nature, even if the fish aren't biting.
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