Trail Treasures
More than 125 hiking and walking trails trace the Kansas City metro, and fall is one of the best times to head out to enjoy them. Be sure to observe good trail etiquette: Take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.
One of the prettiest walks in Kansas is the Gary L. Haller Trail, which follows the Mill Creek Streamway Park. The paved trail is 17 miles one way, traveling from Olathe to the Kaw River. There are many trail heads, and it can be hiked in shorter increments. The trail features old growth forests, prairies, wetlands and scenic views of Mill Creek. At the north end is a bridge that arches over to Nelson Island in the Kaw River.
Little Blue Trace in Jackson County, MO, is a similar long trail, following the Little Blue River from Lee's Summit Road to Blue Mills Road. The paved trail is 10 miles one way and also has multiple trail heads, so it can be hiked in sections. The trail head off of 24 Highway is the location of a Civil War skirmish, and a historical marker highlights the location. The trail winds beneath roads, through fields and forest. Periodically, views of the old river channel can be seen where turtles bask on logs.
Another nice hike in Kansas is the Kill Creek Park Trail in Olathe, which takes the hiker through tallgrass prairies, woods, by Kill Creek and the lake. The remnants of old homesteads can be seen from the trail as an additional discovery. The area features a variety of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding.
William M. Klein Park in Raytown, MO, is also known as Cave Spring Park because of the cave and spring on the property. The trails intersect and branch off frequently, giving the area the feel of an enchanted maze. Features like the cave, waterfall and ruins are indicated by signage. The path to the cave is close to the park entrance. Next to the cave are the remnants of a water cooling shed and, farther down, a remnant wall. A handful of stone cabin foundations are also present; follow the signs for the "chimneys." The chimneys and foundations are all that are left of a country club that once resided on the property. The waterfall, dubbed "Three Eagles Landing," has an adjacent rest area to enjoy.
River Bluff Nature Reserve in Sugar Creek, MO, is the most beautiful hike I have experienced in the metro area. The trail head is a bit obscure, marked by a small sign off of Atherton Road. Hikers will have to brave some dense underbrush until they come out onto a field, then return to an amazing old forest. This trail is rated "difficult" because of the fairly steep hills, but it is worth the effort. The trail loops around limestone bluffs reminiscent of those at Bethany Falls Trail at Burr Oak Woods in Blue Springs, MO.
The Old Kate Trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, in Parkville, MO, hugs White Alloe Creek. The trail passes through a variety of wetlands, woods and meadows. The northernmost point of the trail features a gorgeous waterfall that drops three times before making its way through the sanctuary. The area used to be a Park College farm, where students tended livestock, vegetables, fruit and bees. Near the overlook you can find a remnant of the buildings from the Farm College and, farther down the trail, an old root cellar.
Two areas farther away that are worth a visit are Wallace and Weston Bend state parks. Wallace State Park in Cameron, MO, has a woodland similar to what would be found on the eastern side of the state. Be sure to get a map of the trails, as they intersect. Our family always tries to make it out to Weston Bend State Park, in Weston, MO, in the fall. The overlook is well marked and easily located. It offers an outstanding view of the Missouri River and Kansas floodplains. The fall colors and view’s beauty are worth the drive. Don't forget to hike the West Ridge and Harpst Valley trails, which are near the overlook. They also overlook the river and wind through the forest, letting you walk among the colors.
There are many other trails in the metro that make for a lovely fall hike. Regardless of which you choose to explore, you and your family will experience a wonderful autumn adventure. No matter which trail you choose, enjoy the beautiful fall that Kansas City affords us every year.