Hit these Kansas City trails before the ticks do
River Bluff Nature Area, Independence, Mo.
These wilder parts of Greater Kansas City are best enjoyed before biting bugs stake their claims.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
Paved trails have their purpose, but if you’re able, it’s always invigorating to get up close and personal with nature. You can do that on some of the Kansas City’s more remote trails. However, if you hike them during tick and chigger season, you may pay a price. After you add poison oak, ivy and the menace of spider webs, the great outdoors may not seem so great.
The solution?
Beat the bugs! Go in early spring or late fall. But where to go? I’m glad you asked. Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite wild trails in Greater KC.
River Bluff Nature Reserve, Jackson County, Mo.
This trail in northern Independence is rugged, but it’s beautiful if you can put up with its minimal maintenance.
Camp Branch Glade
This forested, 58-acre park is off the beaten path in southern Overland Park.
MOPAC Trail, City Lake, Pleasant Hill, Mo.
A rugged, remote 4-mile trail encircles City Lake.
Cooley Lake Conservation Area, Clay County, Mo.
Cooley Lake has some rudimentary trails but is best explored by wandering and climbing.
Monkey Mountain Nature Reserve, Jackson County, Mo.
There are no monkeys here, but a steep trail leads to a high plateau and sweeping prairie.
And that ain’t all
These are just a few of our favorite of the Kansas City area’s more remote trails. There are well over 100 trail guides on our site. You can explore them by county or check out our day trips section. Carpe diem!
About the author
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker and the owner of Roy Harryman Marketing Communications.