Believe it or not, Kansas City is home to tons of hiking and biking trails. Even the biggest outdoor enthusiasts might not know about some of the hidden gems throughout the metro. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best trails for hiking and biking all over the Kansas City area.
Swope Park Trails
Location: Oldham Road in Swope Park, KCMO (southwest of 1-435 and Gregory)
Length: 13.5 miles
One of the largest trail systems in downtown Kansas City, Swope Park Trails are a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Rozarks Nature Trail
Location: Rosedale, northeast of Westport
Length: 4.5 miles
The Rozarks are a system of trails within the urban core of Rosedale, a community near Southwest Boulevard. The trails provide an outdoor escape while staying closely connected to urban neighborhoods and businesses.
Loose Park Trails
Location: 51st & Wornall, KCMO
Length: ~2.5 miles
The Loose Park Trails wind in and around Loose Park near the Plaza area. The paved trails provide an easy place to walk or jog while enjoying the scenery of the surrounding greenspace.
Cave Spring Trails
Location: 8701 E. Gregory, KCMO
Length: 4 miles
The Cave Spring Trails are located in William M. Klein Park, a 39-acre historic nature park near Raytown, MO. The park features a cave, waterfall, fire pits, campgrounds, historic ruins, and even a nature center with exhibits.
Wyandotte County Lake Park Trails
Location: State Ave. & 126th St., Bonner Springs
Length: 15 miles
These wooded trails are perfect for biking and hiking enthusiasts looking for an outdoor adventure close to home. The park and trails are located near the Legends Outlets and Children’s Mercy Park at Wyandotte County Lake.
Trolley Track Trail
Location: Plaza & Brookside area
Length: 6 miles
The Trolley Track Trail provides Plaza and Brookside residents with a lengthy gravel trail that connects neighborhoods to businesses and parks in the area.
Blue River Parkway Trail
Location: South KCMO
Length: 12+ miles
This longer trail system features a variety of terrain in a wooded area along the slopes above the Blue River near Avila University. The trail will eventually link up to the Swope Park Trails System.
Indian Creek Bike Trail
Location: Overland Park & Olathe
Length: 17 miles
The Indian Creek Bike Trail connects parks in Overland Park and Olathe through a mostly flat, paved trail system that’s perfect for biking and running. The trail links up to other area trail systems, providing over 25 miles of paved trails throughout Leawood, Olathe, and Overland Park.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Location: Parkville, MO
Length: ~3 miles
No dogs
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a 115-acre wildlife preserve located in Parkville, MO, just north of downtown Kansas City. Hikers can enjoy nearly three miles of scenic, wooded trails; however, no bikes or dogs are allowed on the trails.
Mill Creek Streamway Park
Location: Olathe
Length: 17 miles
The Mill Creek Streamway Park trails extend from Nelson Island on the Kansas River down into Olathe. The park also features three miles of equestrian trails and picnic areas.
Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center
Location: Olathe
Length: 3 miles
The Ernie Miller Nature Center provides Johnson County with environmental programming, including live animals and educational exhibits. The center includes three miles of scenic trails. Bicycles and pets are not allowed at the park or center.
Be sure to check out our other guides for the Best Parks in Kansas City and the Best Bike Trails in Kansas City.