3 Best Hiking Trails in Kansas City, MO

“Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a 115-acre nature conservation and educational site. An exceptional group of volunteers maintains the sanctuary, which is made accessible by almost three miles of hiking trails. The total length of one of the trails is 0.7 miles, and it is an easy route with an elevation gain of 19 feet. This trail is an out-and-back type. Parkville Nature Sanctuary provides memorial bricks at the sanctuary entrance around the Robert Flusche Memorial Butterfly Garden. Picnic tables are also available at the start of the trail and some more tucked back in the woods. The trails are well-maintained, and the hiking paths are well-marked. The waterfall and creek will give you peace of mind.”

Read more

“Lakeside Nature Center works toward the overall health of conservation, wildlife, and education. The elevation gain of the trail is 69 feet. The total length of the trail is 0.82 miles, and the trail is generally considered an easy route. The center has an animal rescue facility in Swope Park with live wildlife exhibits and three interpretive walking trails. This center is a 1,800-acre wooded park. The center provides outdoor fee-based programming with additional guidelines. Lakeside Nature Center is one of the best nature centers, with many native animals and lovely hiking trails. The trails are open from dawn to dusk. Hike their trails and revel in the peaceful beauty of the site.”

Read more

“Hidden Valley Park is a 195-acre park that has three fields for softball, leisure, and picnic areas. The total length of the trail is 3.2 miles, and it is generally considered an easy route. The trail's elevation gain is 242 feet, and it is a loop. The park is an expansive wildland open space with multi-use paths and sports fields. This park offers lighted asphalt walking trails, a 9-hole disc golf course, state-of-the-art play equipment, and rain gardens. The park provides a remote feel and breathtaking views down the valley. The sight of the osprey is well-suited to detect aquatic fish. Hidden Valley Park features a mountain bike trail system with fantastic views. Several miles of trails, great for hiking, running, and mountain biking, are available. Hidden Valley Park is open 24 hours a day.”

Read more