Longview Lake and Little Blue River

Take a leisurely stroll around Margaret's Pond while exploring the herb garden, amphitheater and promenade. There are beautiful flowers and trees to encounter here.  Or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, hop on the asphalt Sculpture Garden Trail (0.4 mile) which links to the Cottonwood Trail (0.4 mile). This mulched path winds through a wooded area along Wolf Creek. From here, veer off ...

Located behind Kaw Point industrial Park is Kaw Point park. This park is located right where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet. It has historical significance too, the Lewis and Clark expedition actually camped at this spot for a couple of nights to rest, repair their boats, and to explore around the area.  There are a couple paved trails in the very small park. To get to the best lookout, he...

Lace up your boots and head to the 1,600 acre Shawnee Mission Park, located about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City. One of the best parks in the Kansas City metro boats miles of hiking/mountain biking trails, a 120 acre lake, a marina that rents outs kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and pedal boats, a 53 acre off-leash dog area, a disc golf course, shelters, and numerous picnic areas....

Head out to Line Creek Trail in Kansas City, MO where you'll find a photogenic waterfall. The trail stretches 8.25 miles currently with plans for extension. The closest trailhead to the waterfall is located near the Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena (5940 NW Waukomis Dr, Kansas City, MO 64151).  From this trailhead, head south on the trail for approximately 0.5 miles; you will notice th...

Located just outside of Kansas City, MO, the Parkville Nature sanctuary is a great little place for hiking, photography, or just an escape from the city. The Nature Sanctuary is located directly behind the Platte County Health Department (1201 East St, Parkville, MO 64152). There is a parking lot located directly behind the Health Department building; park in the lot and you will spot the trail...

This is an easy hike through the woods on a non paved path. It can get muddy and washed out after rains and in some places the trail can be blocked by fallen trees or debris. The trail is roughly a loop with some side trails making it a shorter hike and some unofficial outlets to nearby neighborhoods. You can sometimes see deer and the trees thoroughly block sound out from nearby highways, maki...