Smoky Hill River is one of the prettiest small streams in Kansas. It is long in length and has convenient access points that make it easy to run the river in two roughly equal segments. This first segment flows through the Kanopolis Wildlife Area where the scenery is very beautiful and peaceful. Some of the views from the water include large sandstone outcroppings and a linear forest of cottonwoods and sycamores. There are plenty of places to get out and hike and wildlife is abundant.