Best Bike Trails in Kansas City

Community

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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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. 

Google map


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


Olathe 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.