The undying passion for nature and the outdoors is a shared trait between our Blue Crew and our customers. Fortunately, Kansas City has plenty of hiking trails across the metro that will recharge you with the tranquility of the woods or a creek without having to drive hours out. In this article, we talked to our crew and picked 10 of our favorite hiking trails around Kansas City for you to explore.

1. Parkville Nature Sanctuary

The Nature Sanctuary consists of three trails: White Trail and Old Kate Loop, Old Kate Trail, and Parkville Bluebird Trail. Tucked away on the opposite end of Parkville from English Landing Park, the cozy sanctuary features a wide variety of landscapes ranging from tranquil woods and trickling creeks to mini waterfalls.

There are some minor ups and downs throughout the three trails, but overall, this is a very beginner-friendly destination with beautiful views often only available on harder, more remote routes since the Loop takes you through the White Aloe Creek Conservation Area. Since the sanctuary is well-shaded, it’s a great place to go even on hotter days if you’re in desperate need of a dose of nature or just to get away from your regular day-to-day.

Trail Length: 4.3 miles for all three trails

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

2. Platte Landing and English Landing Park Loop

If you’re a lover of breathtaking sunsets, English Landing Park is where you’d want to be. More frequently referred to as just the “English Landing Park Trail,” half of this 2.5-mile loop runs right along the bank of the Missouri River with little to no blockage of your view of the water and beyond. This allows you to easily start from one end of the loop and walk along the river to catch the full spectrum of a sunset, boasting vibrant colors and subtle changes of hues.

While there are several viewing spots and benches along the trails, more adventurous hikers have also walked down to the bank enough times to have created side paths that will safely lead you closer to the water. Be careful anytime you go off the trail, of course. Since most of the trail is paved with gravel, many also use this loop as a running track.

Trail Length: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

3. Hidden Valley Natural Loop

As its name suggests, Hidden Valley Natural Loop is a well-guarded secret often only shared among friends. This 3.4 mile loop features rich nature scapes, including woods, hill slopes, dry creeks, and running creeks. As a natural trail, there are some elevations throughout the trail. There are also two “side loops” that are optional, if you’d rather do a quick hike than the full experience.

If you love foraging, this trail also offers abundant turkey tails and fresh wood ears when the season is right. The best time to come would be after a wet, damp season. However, be mindful that the trail could get muddy and slippery, so it’s bets to wait a few days if a heavy storm has just passed.

Trail Length: 3.4 miles

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

4. Lower Rock Ledges Trail

Located inside Fleming Park, the Lower Rock Ledges Trail is a nice loop easily accessible of Beach Road. It goes around the main park campsites, and takes you right along Lake Jacomo, then into the well shaded woods accompanied by beautifully formed rocky terrains.

The lake side is much easier to hike through, but the shaded, woody side requires more careful footing. There are lots of wildflowers along the way, and sometimes you’ll even get to see animals living their best lives.

Trail Length: 3.3 miles

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

5. Blue Springs Lake North Shore Loop

For those looking for a slightly longer loop in Fleming Park, Blue Springs Lake North Shore Loop in Fleming Park might be right up your alley. While it’s long and winding, the footings are much easier than Lower Rock Ledges. You will still get the rocky terrains and lake view since it’s another shore-side loop. Many also take their dogs on the trail.

However, note that this trail loop connects to several other trails. While it’s perfect for impromptu hikers who like the flexibility of extending their hike, we recommend you keep a map at hand or in your phone photo folder just in case.

Trail Length: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

6. Shawnee Mission Lake South Shore Trail

This might be one of the most challenging trails on this list. But trust us, it’s worth the effort. If you have an evening to spare, the hike will cleanse you from body to soul as you walk through endless layers of trees. The moment the lake opens up in front of you is breathtaking, thanks to the high vantage point. The trail is great for wildflower observation and wildlife watching, too. If the full 6.3-mile feels intimidating, there are several crossing points on the loop that will allow you to take a shortcut back.

Note: South Shore Trail often closes due to seasonal maintenance requirements. That said, you can always check with the park beforehand to see if the trail is partially or fully closed!

Trail Length: 6.3 miles

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

7. Maple Woods Natural Area Trail

Looking for a quick natural trail loop to clear your mind? Head over to Maple Woods Natural Area Trail! This lightweight loop is often overlooked because of its short length, but is a little gem located not too far from Metropolitan Community College’s Maple Woods campus. While most of the trail is not paved, there are steps laid out with wooden edges and a few benches along the way.

Trail Length: 1 mile

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

8. Longview Natural Trail

While most know Longview Lake to be a good biking spot, there is a lovely natural trail tucked away right off the youth campground. There is plenty of wildlife and wildflowers to see. You’ll discover Lumpkin Creek, where shallow water runs over stones large enough for you to go barefoot. Do carry a stick, as water moccasins and other snakes may be present.

The only challenging part about this trail is that there is over 1,000 feet of elevation, with a low dip about halfway through the trail. The trail is also much less maintained, so wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself against thorns.

Trail Length: 1.4 miles

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

9. Cave Spring Park

Cave Spring Park has four separate trails: two shorter lake loops and two longer hikes that are slightly under 1 mile. All four trails connect with each other, so you can easily customize how much you’d like to explore.

Cave Spring Park has a good combination of history and nature. The Truman Walk is a historic walkpath famously enjoyed by President Truman and now features 43 plaques embedded in the sidewalks providing information about important landmarks and homes related to the president.

Trail Length: 2.6 miles total

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

10. Riverfront Heritage Trail

This trail is enjoyed by bikers, hikers, and runners. It is also puppy-friendly. The view of the river is quite magnificent, and it’s another great spot to enjoy a sunset stroll. With the streetcar, you can get to the trail easily without having to deal with parking in the area. However, there are also plenty of existing parking spaces at the trailhead.

One must-visit spot on the trail is the lock grid on top of the bridge. It has long been a place where couples vow their undying love to each other, or for friends to lock in their memories before one moves away.

Trail Length: 3.2 miles

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

Protecting Yourself While Hiking on Trails (A Checklist)

You should always choose a trail within your comfort zone, or at least nothing too challenging. On top of that, there are a few things you should bring with you in case of emergency, especially with this year’s heat wave. To make your hiking journey safer and more enjoyable, we’ve put together a trail prep checklist below.

Essential Equipment

• Well-charged phone
• Power bank, especially for longer trails
• Sunglasses and sun cap
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Band-aids and a small first-aid kit
• A stick (especially on natural trails)
• Rubberbands/hair ties
• A small plastic bag to hold your trash (leave nothing behind!)
• Tiger balm (for emergency cooling)

Food & Drink

• A large water bottle, preferably one that keeps your drinks cool
• Electrolyte powder or a separate electrolyte drink
• Energy bars or trail mixes
• Pickles (for quick sodium replenishment)
• Dried or fresh fruit (for water and vitamin replenishment)

That’s it! We hope you enjoy exploring the many trails Kansas City has to offer!