With so many varied trails throughout the Kansas City area, bicycling is a great way to explore the city and burn some calories.
Whether you’re in the mood for a smooth cruise or some rugged riding, here are some of KC’s favorite trails:
Paved Trails
INDIAN CREEK BIKE TRAIL
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, trailing west and south to Overland Park & Olathe, Kansas
Stretches from east of Troost at Bannister Road on the Missouri side, running into Kansas, through Leawood City Park, connecting to the Tomahawk Creek Trail and running south to 143rd & Pflumm Road or west to 159th & Ridgeview Road.
Length: 23 miles with many access points
Features:
- The longest paved trail in the metro
- Follows the I-435 corridor east and west
- Runs through residential and commercial areas
- Includes scenic waterscapes and plenty of foliage
- Many parks and playgrounds along the way
GARY L. HALLER TRAIL
Location: Mill Creek Streamway Park, running through Shawnee, Lenexa, & Olathe, Kansas
Follows Mill Creek from the Kaw River, south through Shawnee Mission Park, to 119th Street in Olathe.
Length: 17 miles with many access points
Features:
- One of the nicest paved trails in Johnson County
- Offers a variety of scenery along the way
- Mostly flat with a few short, but steep, hills
- Provides offshoots from the path near K-10 & Woodland near the frontage trail
- Can be crowded on weekends, but is fairly open on weekdays
TROLLEY TRACK TRAIL
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Runs through Brookside and Waldo, from Volker Boulevard to 85th Street & Prospect Avenue, mostly by way of Wornall Road and Brookside Boulevard.
Length: 6 miles
Features:
- Formerly the site of Kansas City’s trolley system
- An urban ride with several lunch stops and shops along the way
- Gentle on the knees
- Begins as a crushed limestone path, but changes to asphalt farther south and east
- Expect to share the trail with walkers, runners, strollers and dogs
Unpaved Trails
BLUE RIVER PARKWAY TRAIL
Location: Along the Blue River in southern Kansas City, Missouri
Blue River Road and E Blue Ridge Boulevard.
Length: 15 miles with multiple access points
Features:
- Winds up the slopes above the Blue River
- Offers a variety of terrain, rock features and river views
- Expect to share the trail with horses and trail runners
KESSLER PARK
Location: In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, minutes from downtown
59 Chestnut Trafficway, KC, MO. For on-street parking, take Paseo north from the intersection of Paseo and Independence Avenue, to the Cliff Drive gate. This gate is closed to car traffic after dusk and on weekends.
Length: 5 miles
Features:
- Showcases the historic and picturesque Kessler Park
- Highlights the bluffs of Cliff Drive (one of only five State Scenic Byways in Missouri)
- Restoration and trail-building efforts continue
KILL CREEK PARK
Location: Western Johnson County, Kansas, between Olathe and De Soto
Access park from 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. Trailhead is near the parking lot at shelter #1.
Length: 6 miles
Features:
- Varied contours around Kill Creek
- Meadow views and creek crossing
- Secluded nature experience within an accessible, developed park
- Offers two loops; one for beginners/intermediate bikers, and an advanced loop with trail obstacles, such as steps, skinnies and rock gaps
WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE PARK
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
9100 Leavenworth Road, KCK. Park access at 83rd Street and County Lake Park Road. Main trailhead is near shelter #9.
Length: 15 miles
Features:
- Runs through the wooded hills above Wyandotte County Lake
- Varied terrain with several climbs and rocky challenges
- Quick access to shelters and other facilities within the park
- Trail is maintained by an active corps of volunteers
And There’s More
The Kansas City area is home to a vibrant biking community. Parks and Recreation departments throughout the metro are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for riders of all levels:
On the Kansas side
Johnson County Parks and Recreation
Overland Park Parks and Recreation
Shawnee Parks and Recreation
On the Missouri side
Jackson County MO Parks and Recreation
Kansas City Parks and Recreation
Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation
Be sure to check out our other guides for the Best Parks in Kansas City and the Best Places to Hike in Kansas City.