Top winter hikes in Kansas and Missouri
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Here are our top picks for each state to keep you active, high and dry.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher • Kansas City Hiker
Winter hiking has many advantages: no bugs, no poison ivy and no heat exhaustion. Not only that, when leaves fall, new horizons emerge. There’s also the wonder of snow-covered landscapes, icicles and winter wildlife.
There are a few challenges which will affect the timing of your walk. Frozen ground is generally safe, although fallen leaves can be a slippery hazard year-round. When the ground thaws, however, trails turn into a muddy mess. If you’re hiking in a freeze-thaw cycle with rain or melted snow, pay attention to the surroundings and watch your footing. More on successful and safe winter hiking here.
With those preliminaries out of the way, let’s get to hiking!
Missouri
Carl Chinnery Nature Trail, Unity Village, Mo.
The gravel Carl Chinnery Nature Trail can turn into a winter wonderland. Highlights include a natural bridge, frozen lake and waterfall.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs, Mo.
This Missouri nature refuge is comprised of 1,000 acres of woods and prairie. A highlight is the Bethany Falls Trail, which winds through exposed rock outcroppings. There is also a quality educational center for children (check hours).
MOPAC Trail at City Lake, Pleasant Hill
This trail is slippery when wet. But when the ground is solid, this 3.5-mile loop is a scenic lakeside hike. You’ll cross the lake on a floating bridge and experience a quiet, forested environment in a remote area.
Kansas
OP Arboretum Back Country
Many don’t know that, beyond the manicured gardens, there are several miles of trails beyond the deer gates. This explore wooded and rocky areas in addition to prairies. You can also explore off-trail. Winter is an excellent time to venture here due to the absence of bugs.
Baker University Wetlands, Lawrence, Kansas
This 900-acre refuge includes 11 miles of trails and is an excellent place to experience wildlife – especially waterfowl – year round.
Iliff Commons, Topeka, Kansas
This 80-acre reserve is a private refuge open to the public 365 days a year. It’s an excellent place to experience a native prairie in the process of restoration. Trails also wind through wooded areas.
Happy winter hiking and carpe diem!
P.S. Did we miss your favorite winter hike? Tell us about it in the comments.