Sometimes you just need a break from screens, stress, and even the city. Kansas City has so many things to do and there are plenty of options in or close to the city that offer a nice escape from the daily grind.
Here are a few of the best hiking and walking trails within a 30-minute drive from Rockhurst:
Wudchuk Run Loop
6305-6001 Oakwood Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132
This is rated as “moderate” because of rocky terrain so you’ll want boots or hiking shoes. The trail is about seven miles long or more and can take three hours. You may want to use navigation as the trail is not always well marked. Mountain bikes and dogs are welcome. Fewer than 15 minutes from Rockhurst in Swope Park.
White Tail Trail – Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Park College Rd, Parkville, MO 64152
You’ll want some hiking boots or shoes instead of tennis shoes as the terrain can get muddy if it’s been raining. The trail is a loop of about 2.5 miles that takes just over an hour to complete. There are shorter trails nearby in the Sanctuary (Old Kate Trail). Enjoy wildlife (lots of deer, wild turkey), a waterfall, streams, some old structures, and elevation changes. Open year-round, no dogs. 25-30 minutes from Rockhurst.
Rock Ledges Loop
The closest coordinate is Lake Jacomo Shelter 14, Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64086
This is one of the more scenic trails around KC, sitting next to Lake Jacomo. The trail stretches for about 3.5 miles and can take 1.5 hours to complete. There is access to additional trails (Hatchet, Upper Rock Ledges Loop) near the lake to make the day longer and there’s lots of wildlife and views of the lake and rock formations. It’s open year-round and dogs are welcome. 25-30 minutes from Rockhurst.
Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail
Blue River Parkway Trails, Kansas City, MO 64131
This trail has lots of water and history. It runs for about 5.5 miles and will take 2-plus hours to complete. People going west in the 1800s would have had to cross the Blue River here with their wagons. This is a good one for bikes, dogs, and hammocking. Great views, hills, and peaceful sounds of running water. Open year-round. 20 minutes from Rockhurst.
Shawnee Mission Park
7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kan., 66219
The park is the most-visited park in Kansas, but off the lake there are plenty of trails that are both paved and natural. There are more than 10 miles of trails to trek or bike and there’s almost always wildlife to see on a quiet day in the woods. Open year-round. 25 minutes from Rockhurst.
Hidden Valley Natural Area Loop
4029 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117
This one is good in the fall with the colored leaves, as well summer (bring bug spray) if you’re in town. It can get muddy in winter, but you’ll still see wildlife and there’s a river lookout. Mountain bikers love this one. It’s open year-round and dogs are welcome. The trail is just over three miles long and takes about an hour and a half. 25 minutes from Rockhurst.
Longview Lake and Little Blue River
9898 Longview Road, Kansas City, MO 64134
There is lots of wildlife on the trail, especially in the fall. The trail runs close to 12 miles and takes about five hours to complete, but it’s a there-and-back trail so you can turn around whenever you want. There are lots of views of the lake, but not a lot of tree cover so it can get hot in the summer if you’re in town. Open year-round and bikes and dogs welcome. 25 minutes from Rockhurst.
Shoal Creek Happy Rock Trail
7600 NE Antioch Rd, Kansas City, Mo., 64119
The Happy Rock Trail is happy because it’s shaded – there’s lots of tree cover along the six-mile trail, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The creekside trail is paved so it’s bike-friendly. Open year-round. 30 minutes from Rockhurst.
Mill Creek Streamway
19425 Wilder Drive, Shawnee, KS (northernmost access point)
This is a 17-mile paved trail that stretches from the bottom of Johnson County north to the Kansas River. You can jump on the trail at any one of seven access points. The Nelson Island access point is among the least-busy areas of the Streamway. The trail has marshes, Mill Creek, Shawnee Mission Lake, and a dozen or so bridges. There are plenty of shelters and utilities along the way. Open year-round. Dogs and bikes are welcome. 30 minutes from Rockhurst to Wilder Drive.
