By Asia Jones
Happy Earth Day! Urban Hikes KC wants to share a few ways that you can appreciate the natural elements found around Kansas City and how they make our urban trails richer. Whether you’re looking for a workout, researching the history of Kansas City, or want scenic photos for your social page — we’ve got you covered. Make plans to try one of these trails during your next outing on a fair-weather day!
Hiking Tips:
1) Stay Hydrated – Your body is losing fluids while you’re hiking so bring some fluids with you if you plan to do any of the more extensive trails.
2) Stay Safe – Keep your phone charged. Not only will you want to take photos but you may get off track and need help getting back if you’re exploring a part of Kansas City that you’re unfamiliar with.
3) Stay Comfortable – Wear clothes that you can easily adjust if there are significant temperature changes during your hike.
4) Check Trail Status – Trail conditions vary from season to season so knowing when trails close, due to wet conditions including slick spots and mud is important. Not only does staying off of these trails during wet conditions protect the places you hike, but it also keeps you safe from injury. Save this link to check a trail status before heading out.
Riverfront Heritage Trail, KCK & KCMO – This 15-mile-long trail is the only complete bi-state trail in Kansas City! Explorers will walk part of this paved trail at different points on our River Market/West Bottoms Urban Hike, Crossroads/Westside hike, and Strawberry Hill Urban Hike. It’s fully accessible with bicycle and pedestrian pathways and markers that share details about cultural and community histories over more than a century.
Union Cemetery Trail, KCMO – Don’t let the name deter you! This trail is lined with beautiful blooming trees and loops through the historic Union Cemetery. Hikers will spend time on this mile-long hilly paved trail in awe of the unique details of the century-old gravestones of our city’s founders and other prominent movers and shakers in Kansas City’s history.
Roanoke Park Trail, KCMO – In the middle of our bustling city, you find Roanoke Park’s hidden trails surrounded by the historical Valentine neighborhood. This hike is one of the easier trails to walk in the urban core of Kansas City with the terrain for biking and hiking but also a playground. Trails are generally narrow but offer a great view of the city. Check out the Trail Map!
Kaw Point Trail, KCK – Explore the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers and hike around this short wooded trail that provides one of the best skyline views in the city. You’ll also find native flowers, a Lewis and Clark exhibit, and an exhibit celebrating all of the different native nations from the area.
Rozarks Trail, KCK – Just a hop skip and away from KU Medical center, you can start this hike with an up-close view of the Rosedale Arch, this WWI Memorial built in1923. Enter this hilly wooded trail and hike to Fisher Park. This trail is completely wooded and is good for walking and steep mountain biking.
Cliff Drive, KCMO -This paved bike and walking trail is tucked away behind the recently reopened Kansas City Museum in the Historic Northeast. It’s a beautiful hidden place to bike or walk. Once you finish the trail, then hikers can explore the Northeast or ride down to Columbus Park or Kessler Park. Depending on the day of the week, it can be pretty solitary, so try to explore with at least one other person.
There are so many more trails in Kansas City that you can explore! Take a Hike, KC has created a list you can reference to learn about all of these trails and which may be best for you. View the list here.