Kansas City is not the epicenter of outdoor adventure or natural beauty. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing here to enjoy. In fact, there’s more than we have time to experience. Changing the way we think about our hometown can yield unexpected discoveries.

The Kansas Flint Hills are a well-kept secret. There are no traffic jams and no tourist season. Yet their stark and remote beauty is unsurpassed. In addition to their scenic charms, they are also one of the largest unspoiled areas of North America.

Beyond the landscape, the Flint Hills are dotted with picturesque courthouses, ghost towns, bison and abandoned one-room schools.

This fall, get lost in the Loess Hills. What are they? This range of hills runs from Missouri to South Dakota and from Kansas to Nebraska. Rising up to 300 feet above the Missouri River Valley, they provide spectacular views of fall foliage and stunning scenery year round.

Kansas Citians can see new sights and break up their routines on a fall day trip to Central Missouri. Discover 200-foot limestone bluffs, rocky spires, and natural bridges near Columbia. Explore top outdoor destinations like Pinnacles Youth Park, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, and the historic KATY Trail at Rocheport. Perfect for autumn hiking, scenic views, and weekend trail adventures.

Missouri’s lake region gets plenty of publicity, both positive and negative. But once fall hits, the area fades to quiet as leaves explode in color and the forest takes on a hibernating quality. Many summer visitors miss out on this rugged region’s fall color and wonder. And that’s OK with us! Ready for some great fall Missouri lake country destinations? Let’s do this.

Most hikers are friendly, but are in pursuit of solitude and lonely places. Using data from state and national parks, we've ranked the quietest and busiest state parks for Missouri and Kansas, as well as national parks.

In Greater Kansas City, we get cold winters and blazing hot summers. On most days, some outdoor activity is still possible (and wise), even when temperatures and humidity are high. The key is keeping the hike basic, increasing fluid intake and seeking shade.

Summer in Kansas City can be glorious, but it can also be sweltering. What are the area’s best shaded hikes? Read on to find out.

Ever hyped up a hike only to suffer through heat, bugs, and exhaustion? It's called mental simulation bias – and it's sabotaging your outdoor adventures. Learn how to honestly assess distance, temperature, terrain, and your own limits before you hit the trail, so every hike becomes a memory worth making – not a march of misery.

Make the most of our late spring weather by exploring nature in your hometown. Here are three walking trails to make the most of Memorial Day weekend in Kansas City.

Columbia, Mo., is synonymous with all things MU. It’s a pilgrimage site of sorts for graduates, almost graduates and people who love the college and sports scene.

But there’s also a natural side of the Columbia area that rivals parts of the Ozarks in its scenic beauty. Miles of trails are within minutes of the city. In addition, all the trails listed here are within one hour of the city, making it one of the state’s most concentrated series of hiking opportunities.

Ticks are a real concern in the Greater Kansas City area from April through November, but they don't have to keep you indoors. A balanced, layered approach — staying on trails, treating clothing with permethrin, and applying DEET or picaridin to skin — goes a long way toward protection. Know your personal risk level, since some people attract ticks more than others. The same strategies also work against chiggers and mosquitoes, so get out there — wisely.

Primitive camping is much more common in areas with vast acres of public land than it is in the Kansas City area. Yet, if this is your goal, it can happen. Here are highlights of a few places where you can experience true primitive camping within a few hours’ drive.

Discover Heart Forest, the world's largest heart-shaped forest hidden near Kansas City International Airport. With 2,500 trees and a mile-long trail, this 8-acre living landmark needs your support to reopen fully. Learn about KC's hidden natural treasure and how you can help preserve it.

Personal safety is an important consideration when choosing a hiking trail or park in Greater Kansas City. Here are a few thoughts to help you make a wise decision.

It’s exhilarating to hit the trails, and even more so when you get away from the hustle of urban life. Missouri and Kansas small towns provide an abundance of scenic trails. But wait, there’s more! Hiking these trails provides exposure to small-town architecture, courthouses, cafes and arts and crafts. Take the road less traveled and explore these towns and trails.

Discover Cooley Lake Conservation Area, a hidden-gem near Liberty, Missouri, with rugged blufftop trails, marshland wildlife, and Missouri River views. Learn why winter is the best time to hike, what gear you need, hunting-season tips, and how to use our custom trail map to explore safely.

Brent’s Trail offers a distinctive Midwestern hiking experience. This lonely hike in western Iowa rises up to 400 feet above the Missouri River below, cutting through oak and cedar groves, descending steep ravines and jutting across picturesque prairie. This challenging trail is 8 miles each way, making for a 16-mile crusher.

Some of us may be having a blue Christmas for lack of that freezing, powdery stuff. But not me! I know our time with Jack Frost is coming. But for now, the relative warmth and lack of snow or rain forecast for the next couple of weeks opens up new possibilities for winter hiking.

When temperatures turn cold, there's no need to turn in your hiking boots. A few minor alterations can keep you safe and walking trails and backroads throughout the winter months. Kansas City Hiker shows you how.