4 Hikes to Get your Blood Flowing in the KC Area
When you think of Kansas City, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t hiking. But you might be surprised to find that there are several great hiking trails to explore in Kansas City metro area, with many of them less than 30 minutes from downtown.
Here, a few of Exploring Roots favorite hikes in Kansas City – plus one bonus road-trip hike – in hopes that we’ll see you out on the trails!
Swope Park Trail System
12 minutes from Downtown: Swope Park Trail System
All photos courtesy of Exploring Roots photographer, Kelly Pullen.
Did you know Kansas City’s largest park is located just 12 minutes from Downtown? Swope Park is among the largest urban parks in the United States, and it’s easy to get lost in its 1,805 acres. Enjoy a show at Starlight Theatre or the exhibits at the Kansas City Zoo, but don’t forget to explore Swope Park’s hiking trails while you are there. Mountain Bike Trail is one of our favorite spots in the park whether you are hiking or biking.
Platte County Parks & Recreation – Line Creek Trail
17 minutes from Downtown
Platte County is full of gorgeous trails, and the Line Creek Trail is one you don’t want to miss. The eight mile trail has a concrete surface, so it’s popular with runners, bikers and families.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary – The Jim Reed Trail System
18 minutes from Downtown
100-198 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a 117 acre natural outdoor area just north of Kansas City. The trails are an oasis for wildlife, have gorgeous waterfalls and includes an ADA-accessible trail spur to accommodate a wide variety of hikers. The trail system ranges from .1 mile to three miles in total.
Lake Jacomo Trail System
26 minutes from Downtown
7401 West Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015
One of the newest trail systems in Kansas City is located at Lake Jacomo in Blue Springs. These trails just opened up last weekend and have been designed to provide solitude in a natural environment. Beautiful Missouri limestone bluffs provide a perfect backdrop to a more challenging hike. Between trails, don’t forget to relax in Sailboat Cove.
Best Road-Trip Hiking Destination in Missouri: Ha Ha Tonka – Lake of the Ozarks
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located less than 3 hours from Downtown Kansas City, and boasts of Missouri’s 12th largest spring, sinkholes, caves, and a large natural bridge. Exploring Roots recently spent an afternoon exploring the area with Police Athletic League and youth living in Kansas City’s urban core. In addition to some kids experiencing hiking for the very first time, highlights of the day were seeing the ground’s castle ruins and filtering fresh spring water to drink.
Exploring Roots is a Kansas City-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to build healing relationships between people and nature for the well-being of both.