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Topeka's Deer Creek Trail follows the eponymous waterway for more than 4 miles through the eastern part of the city. Just south of where Deer Creek meets Shunganunga Creek, the trail turns west, ultimately meeting the popular Shunga Trail at SE Golden Avenue. Although most of the Deer Creek Trail's route is dominated by views of industrial properties, the trail runs through a wooded corridor on the western side of Eastborough Park.
As of August 2022 the Deer Creek Trail extension from SE 10th Street to SE 25th Street in Dornwood Park is complete. In fall 2022, construction will start on the last .66 miles of trail, which will stretch through the Robinson Family Park to SE 29th Street. Once complete, this extension will connect downtown Topeka to scenic Lake Shawnee and its encircling trail. A new vehicular bridge over Interstate 70 will be specifically designed to safely accommodate cyclists and pedestrians.
For a longer excursion, try starting on the Shunga Trail, which connects with the northern end of the Deer Creek Trail. Continue the adventure by following the Deer Creek Trail to SE 25th Street. Once the trail extension is complete, follow it east to Lake Shawnee, where it will connect to the 7-mile Lake Shawnee Trail. The total distance is slightly more than 20 miles.
There is currently no dedicated parking for the Deer Creek Trail, but on-street parking is available on the residential streets off SE 2nd Street (east of SE Golden Avenue). As always, be mindful of any local parking restrictions.
Simple, easy trail. Not terribly wide, but smooth.
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