10 Awesome Hiking Trails to Check out Near Kansas City
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It is a great way to explore new areas and get some fresh air. Kansas City has many hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and the trails listed below are some of the best hiking trails near Kansas City.
10. Buckeye Creek Trail (Missouri) – Buckeye Greenway
This 2.7km long moderate trail is located in the Blue Springs Lake area. The trail is mostly forested with some rocky sections. There are many creek crossings on this trail, and the views of the creek and the forest make this a beautiful hike. The hike is also great for bird watching, and there is not much traffic, so you won’t be disturbed when you are exploring. You can also come with your dog as long as it is on a leash. There are some parts where you will be allowed to unleash it, which is great.
9. Larry Mattenon Memorial Trail (Missouri) – South Prairie Lee Park
The 3.4-km long trail is located in South Prairie Lee Park in Blue Springs. The trail is well-maintained and goes through a dense forest. You can see a lot of wildlife on the trail, including deer, squirrels, and birds. The Larry Mattenon Memorial Trail is a great place for a relaxing hike with your family or friends. If you want to enjoy some solitude, you should check out some of the quieter parts of the day when there aren’t many people. According to the ALLtrails website, the best time to hike on this trail is May through September, and you can even bring your dog, but it has to be on a leash.
8. Mountain Bike Trail (Missouri)- Swope Park
The Mountain Bike Trail is a 7.4 km loop perfect for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. The trailhead is located at the south end of Swope Park and offers a great workout with incredible views of downtown Kansas City. According to the ALLTrails website, the trail is best known for mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing, so be prepared to interact with other people who are also exploring. The trail is open for hiking all year round, so you are free to visit anytime. You can also come with your dog, but it has to be on a leash.
7. Eddy-Ballentyne Trail (Near Leawood)- Blue River Parkway
At number seven, we have an easy 2.3-km trail that is great for beginners or those looking for a relaxing hike. The Eddy-Ballentyne Trailhead is located on the Blue River Parkway and is a perfect place to take in some of Kansas City’s natural beauty. The trail follows the river for a short distance before looping back around, making it a great place to enjoy a scenic walk or picnic. The best time to visit is April through October, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
6. Orange, Violet, and Red Trail (near Lake Quivira)- Shawnee Mission Park
The 10.9km long Orange, Violet, and Red Trail is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in Johnson County, Kansas. The park has three different trails that offer amazing views of the lake and opportunities to see wildlife. The Orange Trail is the longest of the three trails and runs along the north shore of the lake. The Violet Trail is a bit shorter at 9.7km but runs along the lake’s south shore and offers stunning views of the water. The Red Trail is the shortest of the three trails but runs through the woods and offers a more challenging hike.
5. Maple Woods Natural Area Trail (Missouri) – Maple Woods Nature Preserve
Maple Woods Natural Area Trail is an easy 1.6km long trail located in Missouri’s Maple Woods Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to many different species of trees, flowers, and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for a nature hike. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it great for beginners or an easy walk.
4. Cave Springs Trail (Missouri)- Cave Spring Park
Another awesome trail to hike out is the Cave Springs Trail. It is located in Raytown, Missouri, and is a great spot for hiking. The spring-fed stream and caves make this an interesting place to explore. There are also a few small waterfalls on the trail. The Cave Springs Trail is about 1 mile long and is rated as easy. It is popular for bird watching, hiking, and even walking. The best time to visit is April through September.
3. Fox Hollow Trail (Missouri)- Swope Park
Number three on our list is Fox Hollow Trail in Swope Park. This is a great option for those days when you want to get away from the city and into nature but doesn’t necessarily want to trek too far. The Fox Hollow Trail is just half km long and winds through some beautiful wooded areas – perfect for a peaceful stroll or quick hike. If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, some hills along the trail will give your legs a workout. And when you’re done, you can explore the rest of Swope Park, which has plenty of other activities to enjoy.
2. Stoptler Cove Nature Trail (Kansas)- Wyandotte County Park
If you are looking for an easy hike with a bit of challenge, then the Stoltler Cove Nature Trail is perfect. This 1.9-km loop is located in Wyandotte County Park and features a boardwalk, perfect for an easy stroll. The highlight of this trail is the 40-foot bluff that offers great views of the Missouri River. You can also choose to fish on the dock or even rent a canoe to explore the river.
1. White Tail Trail (Missouri)- Parkville Nature Sanctuary
The first trail on that is a must visit is an easy hike known as the White Tail Trail at Parkville Nature Sanctuary. This 4.2 km hike will take you through some of Missouri’s most beautiful scenery. You’ll wind your way through forests and over creeks, and you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife. It will take you an average of one hour to complete the hike or even more if you stop to look at the birds.
