Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Kansas City while getting some exercise. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of parks and trails to choose from. There are many benefits of hiking. It can improve your mood, give you more energy, and make you feel happier overall. It also provides an opportunity for solitude in an increasingly noisy world.
Kansas City, Missouri and its surrounding areas offer a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few popular places to go hiking in the area:
- Loose Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails, including a 1.5-mile loop around a lake and a 2.2-mile trail through a wooded area.
- Swope Park: This large park has several hiking trails, including a 2-mile loop around a lake and a 1-mile trail through a wooded area. It also features the Battle of Westport Visitor Center and the Starlight Theatre.
- Ernie Miller Nature Center: This nature center offers several hiking trails through wooded areas, as well as a nature center with educational exhibits.
- Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area: This conservation area features a variety of hiking trails through wooded areas, including a 2.5-mile loop trail and a 0.5-mile nature trail.
- Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park: This park offers several hiking trails through wooded areas, including a 1-mile loop trail and a 0.5-mile nature trail.
- Blue River Parkway: This long trail runs alongside the Blue River and offers a variety of hiking trails and scenic views.
- Lake Jacomo: This lake offers several hiking trails and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Keep in mind that most of the trails are natural surfaced and may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Also, many of these hiking trails are open year-round, but some may be closed during certain seasons or periods of inclement weather.
