Posted in Kansas City
January 09, 2018
11 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Kansas City
Kansas City is the proud home of some stunning hiking areas. Of course, there are more than a few trails around town for us to use, but which ones are the best? Many are so filled with so much beauty, and we think they’re some of the greatest hiking trails on Earth. Did your favorite make the list?
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This stunning 3-mile loop trail features a waterfall and is the perfect nature getaway in this "urban forest." However, the waterfall means it's a little more popular than other trails around Kansas City, so don't expect to have a day to yourself here.
As you can see, the leaves here turn incredible colors in the fall. This trail, which is only 1.2 miles long, is a loop that you'll enjoy if you're looking for a short walk through the trees.
Swope Park is the most convenient area for many Kansas Citians to get outdoors. Of course, being in the city doesn't make the natural area any less beautiful. Just look at this tiny 0.3-mile trail loop!
Many in the KC area know of the famous Cave Springs, but have you hiked the trail? It's a 1-mile loop that features caves as well as old stone fireplaces still standing, though the houses that once surrounded them have crumbled away.
Maple Woods is an apt name for this trail, and the scenery here is amazing. The moss-lined paths and forest area make this 1-mile loop a perfect little stroll.
Shawnee Mission Park is a beautiful place for any day event, and there's so many paths to take that you'll find yourself wanting to camp out and explore them over an entire weekend. Many are paved and accessible by anyone, making it the perfect place for a family hike without the extra rocks to trip over. The 7-mile loop is one of my favorites.
This 1.6-mile loop is moderately popular, and it's not hard to see why. The rocky shelves are great to explore and perfect for photos. I recommend a good walking stick and a decent pair of boots though, as it can be a little hard to walk with all these rocks around... at least, if you're clumsy like I am!
For those who like to explore on wheels rather than on foot, this mountain bike trail in Swope Park is the best around. It's under 5 miles, so it won't take long, but the beautiful path and scenery sure slow you down a bit. It's another great place to get away from the concrete when you need to relax.
This 4.8-mile loop is an easy trail for beginners, and it's particularly amazing if you get there early and watch the morning sunlight filtering through the trees as you walk. There are also a number of little hidden trails that make it a great place to explore if you have extra time to spare.
This little loop is under 2 miles and features a cute little bridge over the creek. It's great for wildlife spotting and for a quick getaway when you need a natural escape.
This 1.5-mile loop is a great spot in Parkville when you don't want the popularity of White Tail Trail to cloud your peaceful day. Make sure to grab a walking stick - it is a little steep in places, but nothing you can't handle with good balance.
If your favorite trail wasn’t listed, feel free to share it in the comments below! I’m always looking for new places to hike and love to hear suggestions for spots to explore!
If you’re looking for even more nature spots, check out this abandoned castle where nature is slowly taking over.
