Lake Miola Trail

More than seven miles of trail encompasses Lake Miola, which is located on the northwest edge of Paola. There are also loops of trail near residential areas. Six trailheads offer parking, trash/recycling containers, and pet waste stations. The final section was constructed during the summer of 2019. Each of the six trailhead kiosks now displays a detailed map, trail descriptions and mileage, a list of donors, project history, and other helpful information for users.

In addition to seating at each trailhead, donor-sponsored benches are located along the trail to provide a place to sit and enjoy magnificent sunrises and sunsets, gentle breezes, or the cool shade provided by the woods on a hot day.

The main entrance to Lake Miola Park is at the intersection of 299th Street and West Lake Miola Drive. For simplicity, the following descriptions of sections of trail flow in a clockwise direction beginning at the aptly named West Miola Trailhead.

Trail Sections

West Miola Trailhead to Pirate Ship Trailhead (north)

• Distance options:

  • East toward water’s edge: 1.5 mi.

  • Adjacent to West Lake Miola Drive: 1.35 mi.

  • West Miola Loop (north of kiosk): .6 mi.

• Surface: Limestone screening; some gravel through campgrounds

• Trailhead location: Intersection of 299th Street and West Lake Miola Drive

• Exposure: Primarily open to sun and lake breeze

• Features:

  • Connects to public swimming beach

  • Campground road doubles as trail

Pirate Ship Trailhead to North Woods Trailhead (north)

• Distance: .9 mi.

• Surface: Limestone screening; challenging topography

• Trailhead location: North of campgrounds along West Lake Miola Drive

• Exposure: Mix of sun and shade

• Features:

  • Lions Club playground (portable toilet year-round)

  • International Park picnic area

  • Natural fishing piers

North Woods Trailhead to Lakeview Trailhead (east, then south)

• Distance options:

  • Right at fork of Burr Oak Loop: 1.25 mi.

  • Left at fork, adjacent to East Lake Miola Dr: 1.1 mi.

  • Burr Oak Loop: 1.2 mi.

• Surface: Limestone screening; small section on asphalt

• Trailhead location: Just south of 287th Street near the intersection of West Lake Miola Drive and East Lake Miola Drive

• Exposure: Trail offers mix of sun and shade

• Features: Low-water bridge crossing on asphalt doubles as trail

Lakeview Trailhead to East Miola Trailhead (south)

• Distance: 1.5 mi.

• Surface: Limestone screening

• Trailhead location: Near Lakeview Addition along East Lake Miola Drive

• Exposure: Primarily open to sun

• Features:

  • Lakeview picnic shelter

  • Scenic views

  • “Drive to” fishing areas that intersect trail

  • Street crossing over 299th

East Miola Trailhead to South Woods Trailhead (west)

• Distance options:

  • Taking left fork of South Woods Loop: 1 mi.

  • Taking right fork of South Woods Loop: .8 mile

  • South Woods Loop: .4 mile

• Surface: Limestone screening; challenging topography

• Trailhead location: At intersection of 299th Street and East Lake Miola Drive

• Exposure: Mix of sun and shade; natural windbreak below dam

• Features: Narrow steel bridge over spillway

South Woods Trailhead to West Miola Trailhead (north)

• Distance: .5 mi.

• Surface: Limestone screening

• Trailhead location: Along 299th Street, west of the dam

• Exposure: Primarily open to sun and lake breeze

• Features:

  • Two street crossings: 299th Street and road to boat dock

  • Restrooms near boat dock parking 

Trail Progress

See how Lake Miola Trail has come to life with this photo gallery: