Five great Kansas City hikes for Labor Day weekend
Make the most of your time off by exploring nature in Greater KC.
With an extra day and temperatures slowly receding, how can you make the most of Labor Day weekend? Although the Kansas City area offers numerous parks and trails worth enjoying, we offer these five options for anyone who may be undecided.
Cedar Niles Trail, Olathe
Cedar Niles offers a 4-mile out-and-back paved trail (for a total of 8 miles) that winds through prairie and wooded areas and over Cedar Creek and a tributary. There is also a 4.5-mile natural surface mountain bike loop that’s more rugged and remote.
Prairie Center Natural Area, Olathe
This quiet state wildlife area preserves 300 acres of native and restored prairie and lowland woods.
Watkins Mill State Park, Excelsior Springs
Part living history and part nature, Watkins Mill preserves an 1870s agricultural and industrial estate. Farm animals, an active garden and several buildings can be explored. In addition, a 3.8-mile paved trail loops Watkins Mill Lake, passing a quiet limestone waterfall.
Prairie Creek Greenway, Platte County
Seven pedestrian bridges and a waterfall are highlights of this 6-mile paved trail near Platte City, Mo.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs
Burr Oak Woods is one of the premiere conservation areas in Kansas City and was created with visitors, including school children, in mind. A highlight of this 1,000-acre refuge is the natural surface Bethany Falls Trail, which winds through forest and giant limestone outcroppings before looping back to the trailhead.