Hartman Memorial Park & Winterset Nature Area
Charles David Hartman Memorial Park and Winterset Nature Area, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
This small Lee’s Summit park adjoins the Rock Island Rail Trail and is home to waterfalls and rock outcroppings.
Trail Charles David Hartman Memorial Park and Winterset Nature Area
Overview
Lee’s Summit’s Hartman Memorial Park is one of the most popular trailheads for the Rock Island Rail Trail. But it’s also a destination in and of itself. About a mile worth of trails follow the waterfalls and rocky bluffs along Cedar Creek. Trails also wind through an adjacent park called Winterset Nature Area. This park is home to cliffs, boulders and numerous small falls along the stream. Trail extensions lead to an adjacent neighborhood bluff overlooking the park. In addition to exploring Hartman Park, it’s a great starting point for a Rock Island Rail Trail hike or bike.Length The official trail itself is only about three-fourths of a mile long. However, an extension allows walkers to rise above the park following the limestone bluffs that are its backbone. In addition, Hartman Memorial Park is the premiere trail head for the Rock Island Rail Trail.
Address and location
700 S.W. Pryor Road , Lee’s Summit, Mo., 64081
Conditions The portion of the trail bordering the baseball fields is paved. The Winterset Nature Area trail and the trail extensions are surfaced with wood chips. The Rock Island Rail Trail is gravel.
Kid friendly? The paved trail is flat and easy. Trails in the adjacent Winterset Natural Area are made of wood chips. While children may enjoy playing in the stream, don’t leave them unsupervised. The Rock Island Rail Trail (gravel surface) is often busy so parents should be mindful of bike traffic.
How busy? The park can be busy and the parking lot can fill up on picturesque days. Choosing a morning visit or an off-season day will provide more seclusion.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated)
Bikes Non-motorized bicycles are permitted on the Rock Island Rail Trail.
