Hey There Hiker Buddies,

Winter is actually one of my favorite times to hike because there are no ticks! As someone who has contracted a lethal tick-borne illness (and survived, yay), this is a pretty big deal to me. But on a happier note, here are some amazing hikes I hope you love!

Kansas City Area Winter Hikes

These trails are great year round, but they have some cool rock formations that are fun to explore in the winter even when there aren’t as many plants and bugs to admire.

✨Fox Hollow at Lakeside Nature Center: 1.5 miles

✨Bethany Falls at Burr Oak Nature Center: 1.3 miles

✨Black Hoof Park Lake Loop at Lake Lenexa: 3.7 miles

✨Cave Spring Park in Kansas City near Raytown: 4.5 miles of trails with many much shorter loops

✨Carl Chinnery Nature Trail at Unity Village in Lee’s Summit: 2.4 miles

👉 Read more in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary blog​

Looking for more ideas nearby?
👉 Check out 21 Best Hikes for even more KC area inspiration.

Midwest Winter Hiking Favorites

If you’re traveling or planning a winter weekend getaway, these trails are worth layering up for.

• Saint Louis Canyon Trail at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
​2.1 miles and absolutely stunning in winter, especially when ice forms on the canyon walls and the giant waterfall freezes.

• Hitchcock Nature Center, Iowa
​Explore the rolling Loess Hills terrain. The park has snowshoes available for rent if you are wanting to add another element of adventure.

• Kanopolis State Park, Kansas
​Wide open trails, dramatic rock formations, and great winter solitude.

• Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska
​Miles of wooded trails and bluff views along the Missouri River.

• Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
​One of the best winter hiking spots in the Midwest with rugged trails and icy creek crossings.

• Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin
​Lodi Marsh Trail is a great option for winter with the eastern half being full of hills and challenges and the western half being more kid-friendly. I haven’t been here yet, but it’s on my list.

• Oberg Mountain, Minnesota
​If you want a forest feel with amazing views, be sure to hop on this hike. The hike is 2.4 miles long and provides stunning lake views.

• Punderson State Park, Ohio
​Discover evidence of the last glacier in Ohio at this state park. This park is right on Ohio’s snow belt and has great hiking as well as sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding.

• Manistee River Trail, Michigan
​This trail is so beautiful and scenic, running along the river with gorgeous forest views. The best part is that this is a great spot for snowshoeing, in addition to hiking.

• Lake Metigoshe State Park, North Dakota
​The Beaver Loop trail is just under 2 miles and is full of bridges, ponds and lakes that are gorgeous in the winter.

• Black Elk Peak Hike, South Dakota
​This hike is near Custer State Park and will take you to the highest point in the Black Hills. Black Peak is perfect if you are seeking a quiet winter hike, this is the one. There are only 3,000 visitors that come from November to March.

👉 If you have a few days in South Dakota, Rapid City is only an hour from Custer State Park and filled with lots of family-friendly adventures.

👉 For more Midwest winter inspiration, check out my Midwest State Parks blog.

What are your favorite winter hikes? I’m always looking to add more to the list.

Keep exploring,
Amy