Midwest and KC trails you need to hike this spring

Hi friends,

If you've been following along on social media, you know I have been soaking in spring with road trips, girls' trips, unique stays, and of course, some local exploration!

If you’re looking for easy, fun hikes to do with your family, here are some of our favorite spots around Kansas City plus a few Midwest adventures worth planning for.

Kansas City Area Spring Hikes

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

Parkville Nature Sanctuary has a lot of diverse features in a small area, including a waterfall, boardwalk, nature play features, a pollinator garden, and more. The Old Kate Trail is a 1-mile loop trail and the most popular trail. Check out my Parkville Nature Sanctuary Blog for more details!

Cave Spring Park

Cave Spring Park near Raytown, Missouri is a fantastic spot for families, offering a 2.5-mile loop trail with features like a play area, old stone chimneys, a waterfall, and even a small cave. There is a short, paved loop with many unpaved off shoots.

Mill Creek Streamway Park

Mill Creek Streamway is a paved trail about 17 miles long, featuring wetlands, playgrounds, and train views. Access the trail from Craig Crossing Park in Lenexa, Kansas to also check out the nearby woodlands and playground through the tunnel.

Cliff Drive

Cliff Drive in Northeast Kansas City offers a 4-mile paved path with stunning views of the Kansas City skyline and the Missouri River. This former road, now closed to cars, is perfect for walking and biking.

Ernie Miller Nature Sanctuary

Ernie Miller Nature Sanctuary in Olathe, Kansas, features the Lower Ridge Trail, a short 0.85-mile loop. It includes a fun stream crossing. After your hike, explore the nature center’s interactive displays.

For more hiking ideas in KC, check out 12 Best Trails for Hiking in Kansas City on my blog!

Midwest Spring Hikes

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

This state park is full of tall canyons with waterfalls, unusual rock formations. We actually enjoyed the lesser-known Ottawa and Illinois Canyons. These trails are further from the Visitor’s Center and not crowded.

Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

Walking through caves is such a cool experience for kids, and Dancehall Cave is one of the highlights. At Maquoketa Caves, many of the caves were smaller, but we had them all to ourselves.

Wilson Lake State Park, Kansas (Rock Town Trail)

Wilson Lake State Park has a beautiful crystal blue lake, sandstone rock formations that aren’t like anything you’d expect in Kansas, and mountain biking trails that rival those of Utah. Our favorite trail at Wilson Lake is the Rock Town Trail which is 2.5 miles long.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio (Cedar’s Cave)

Hocking Hills State Park winds through caves, by waterfalls, and through jungle-esque woods that made me feel like I was in Jurassic Park. Cedar’s Cave and Old Man’s Cave are two of the most popular spots.

Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri

Elephant Rocks State Park has an unusual grouping of round boulder rock formations unlike any I have ever seen anywhere else. Hiking the whole trail won’t take long, but my kids always enjoy exploring between the rocks and climbing.

For more ideas, check out the 13 Most Beautiful State and National Parks in Midwest on my blog!

More on the Blog

Spring Outdoor Activities for Kids Take advantage of the best outdoor season of the year with these ideas. Outdoor Spring Ideas

Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms Stuck on what to get for the moms in your life? Check out my gift guide to help! Outdoor Gifts for Mom

I would love to know where you like to hike in the spring. Which spots should I check out next? Hit reply and let me know!

Keep exploring,
Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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