Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. Other than the magnificent trails we have here in the Philippines, I also dream of being able to hike several picturesque trails abroad. One of them would be those trail adventures of Kansas City. If you happen to be visiting the western fringes of Missouri, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that there’s more to life in Kansas City than world-recognized art museums and NFL football. If you have a thirst for adventure, Kansas City can transport you into the wilderness just as easily as many other US cities in the Midwest.
Although the city has been enchanted by the Chiefs’ recent NFL Super Bowl success – and looks set to celebrate another Lombardi Trophy based on the latest Super Bowl futures – its geography is also ideal for those who enjoy exploring the Midwest’s landscape on foot. Whether you enjoy long-distance hikes or heart-pounding trail running, if you are planning to visit the Midwest, these five trails make Kansas City well worth a visit.
Swope Park
Designed to connect the urban areas of Kansas City to the great outdoors, Swope Park’s trails comprise over 50 miles of single-track hiking and mountain biking space to explore. Once completed, it became one of the biggest urban single-track trail locations in the US. Although it is a somewhat manmade environment, Swope Park was designed and built to showcase the magnificent limestone bluffs that adjoin trails heading towards the Rocky Point Glades and the Blue River.
Better still, Swope Park is no more than 17 miles from downtown Kansas City. This means it is an extremely popular trail with significant footfall. It’s also a dog-friendly trail and requires a moderate level of physical fitness given an elevation gain of over 100m throughout.
Kaw Point Park
In terms of scenery, there are few more picturesque locations in the KC area than Kaw Point. Overlooking the end of the Kansas River as it meets the Missouri River, Kaw Point Park offers plenty of paved trails. Although the trails are considerably shorter than those around Swope Park, it’s a more popular location for those going for the view – particularly at sunset.
You are guaranteed to encounter lots of wildlife on foot here. Whether it’s blue herons, bald eagles, foxes or deer, you can be sure of a hiking trail that’s monitored and protected 24/7 by the city’s public administrations.
White Tail Trail
Considered one of the easiest and most popular hiking trails around Kansas City, the White Tail Trail is a magnificent 4.2-km trip through urban forestry. It is situated within the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, which includes tranquil waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. It feels so remote that you’ll find it easy to forget how close you are to the hustle and bustle of downtown Kansas City.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted along this trail and nor are mountain bikes, but this should be good news for those who prefer to take things at their own pace on foot.
Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail
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With over 12 miles of hiking and running trails, the Blue River Parkway skirts along the Blue River itself, which runs to the south of downtown Kansas City. There is a particularly special part of the trail which winds its way past Blue River Park and Alex George Lake.
You’ll also discover longer trails that start along the Minor Park Trail and meander out towards the Saeger Woods Conservation Area. This tranquil area features an abundance of flora and fauna and is accessible all year round.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Just a stone’s throw from downtown Kansas City and only a mile northward of the I-70, the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area is a natural wonder in the backyard of suburbia. It’s quite literally teeming with wildlife, fish and forestry; all of which can be experienced on foot along with one of six magnificent trails.
The official site of the center recommends keeping your eyes peeled for Eastern Gray Squirrels and Eastern Fox Squirrels. It also contains some brand-new interactive exhibits along the way. The downside is that very few of these trails are accessible to disabled visitors.
Kansas City offers an appealing mix of natural and manmade trails of varying terrain and scenery to rival some of the bigger cities in the Midwest. Who knew this corner of Missouri could be so beautiful?
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