“Walking is a man’s best medicine.”

Kansas City Weekend Trips

Got more than a day? Check out these overnight or long weekend hiking trips within striking distance of home.

We prioritize local hikes in Kansas City. But that doesn’t mean we never get wanderlust. There’s a wide world out there and some Midwest hikes get be done in a day. Some scenic destinations in western Kansas, for example, can take six hours to reach from Kansas City. Missouri’s rugged Arcadia Valley and Bootheel regions require similar journeys. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. Carpe diem!

Illinois

• Little Grand Canyon, Shawnee National Forest

• Giant City State Park, near Carbondale, Illinois

Iowa

• Brent’s Trail, Harrison County, Iowa

• Preparation Canyon State Park, Little Sioux, Iowa

Kansas

• Coronado Heights (Lindsborg, Kan.)

• Wilson Lake State Park (central Kansas)

• Kanopolis State Park (Salina, Kan.)

Missouri

• Clifty Creek Conservation Area (near Rolla, Mo.)

• Elephant Rocks State Park (Belleview, Mo.)

• Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (Ironton, Mo.)

• Maramec Springs Park (St. James, Mo.)

• Taum Sauk Mountain State Park (Ironton, Mo.)