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Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop from Fort Leavenworth

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Running trails & routes

Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop from Fort Leavenworth

Moderate

2.8

(7)

runners

Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop from Fort Leavenworth

00:33

5.35km

30m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.82 km

Merritt Lake

Highlight • Lake

Merritt Lake is a reservoir on the Trails West Golf Course. It's man-made, and it's a wheelchair-accessible fishing spot as well! Before fishing, be sure to check the rules and regulations for the current season. Local Kansas City regulations dictate when fishing is allowed, the maximum size of the fish you can keep, as well as how many fish you can keep.

Tip by

3.16 km

Buffalo Soldier Monument

Highlight • Monument

This monument was dedicated in 1992 and is situated in a beautiful setting next to Smith Lake. It honors the memory of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army. Around the monument, there are benches that also offer excellent views of the lake.

Tip by

5.35 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.78 km

355 m

179 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.39 km

1.93 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 July

31°C

22°C

69 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a quick, meaningful jog that blends accessible paths with significant history, the Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop from Fort Leavenworth is definitely worth your time. This moderate 3.3-mile (5.3 km) jogging route, with just 101 feet (31 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 33 minutes, making it perfect for a refreshing workout with a historical twist.

What to expect on Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop from Fort Leavenworth

Expect a pleasant journey around Merritt Lake, a man-made reservoir that offers serene views, especially as you approach the Buffalo Soldier Monument. The paths are generally easy and accessible, with many sections being paved, so you won't have to worry about challenging terrain. This makes the loop suitable for nearly any fitness level, providing a smooth experience as you take in the historical significance of the area.

Planning your visit

Accessing the Merritt Lake – Buffalo Soldier Monument loop is straightforward, as it starts from Fort Leavenworth. While specific parking details aren't provided, the area is generally well-equipped for visitors. Given its accessible nature and well-maintained surfaces, this loop is a great option for a jog any time of year, though checking Fort Leavenworth trail conditions is always a good idea.

Trail details