Jackson County: Discover trails through the big city and off the beaten path

You can hike in the shadow of Kansas City’s skyscrapers or enjoy the serenity of rural solitude.

Jackson County, the home of Kansas City, Mo., has the metro area’s most diverse trail system. You can walk under highway and railroad overpasses while viewing wildflowers at the same time. Take in a sunset along a Missouri Riverfront trail in the shadow of Kansas City’s skyline. But head east and things get much wilder. The Little Blue Trace Trail winds 15 miles through the suburbs and rural pasture lands of central Jackson County. And in the far east, you’ll find woodland hikes at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Monkey Mountain. Ready to take it in?

This is not a comprehensive list of Jackson County trails. Our policy is to only list trails we’ve visited. The list is growing constantly. Thanks for your patience. Contact us to suggest a favorite of yours that is not listed here.