Explore native hardwood forest at Bluffwoods Conservation Area
Forested hills, marshland and meadows comprise this more than 2,000-acre reserve.
Trail Bluffwoods Conservation Area
Overview
Bluffwoods Conservation Area is actually not in Platte County, but we list it here because it’s only 15 minutes across the county line in Buchanan County. And it’s worth the drive! Bluffwoods comprises more than 2,000 acres of Loess Hills rising above the Missouri River Valley. This heavily wooded area includes some of the last remaining oak-hickory forest in northwest Missouri. Wildflowers and wildlife can also be discovered in this remote area, which is between St. Joseph and Weston, Mo. In addition to forest, the area includes marshes, retired crop and pasturelands and a few natural prairies. Bluffs rise 250 feet above the river, which lies about a half mile to the west. Bird watchers will find this area interesting as it is designated by an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. Since this is a Missouri Conservation Area, be mindful of hunting seasons and take appropriate precautions.
Length
The paved Forest Nature Trail is a series of loops totaling 1.2 miles. The Maple Falls and Lone Pine trails connect and total about 3 miles (all trails are not equal, so see the “conditions” section below). In addition, there are several miles of mowed service roads open to hikers.
Address
There are two major trailheads along with multiple other access points to the area. There’s weak cell service here, so if you use a map app to find Bluffwoods Conservation Area, there’s no telling which end of the refuge you’ll end up at. To help you get where you want to go, use these directions:
The Forest Nature Trail is located at 3393-4111 SW Bethel Rd, St Joseph, MO 64504. This is the paved trail.
The Maple Falls and Lone Pine Trailhead is located at the intersection of Henman Road and County Road 60 SW, next to Kerlin Cemetery. These are unpaved trails.
Conditions
The Forest Nature Trail is paved, easy and in excellent condition.
The Maple Falls Trail (Loop A) and Lone Pine Trail (Loop B) are natural surface trails with several hundred feed of elevation gain. They could be characterized as moderate in difficulty. Note: They are slippery when wet. Tracking polls are recommended. While Loop A is generally easy to follow, Loop B disappears into the forest, leaving you to bushwhack your way back to the trailhead. For this reason, Loop B is not recommended by KC Hiker.
The park also includes service roads, which can be walked. Download the map below to view all trails and service roads.
Kid friendly? The paved trail is easy with only minor elevation changes. The area’s other trails are natural surface and/or mowed. Topography can be steep.
How busy? The paved trail receives moderate traffic in peak season. The natural surface trails are less frequented..
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).
Bikes Non-motorized bicycles are permitted on designated service roads [more here].
