Seizin’ the season: A mild winter means hiking, not freezing
The Augie Trail, Lake Jacomo
We’ll soon be cooped up with cold-induced cabin fever. Make the most of unseasonably warm conditions while you can.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher • Kansas City Hiker
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.
There are plenty of electric outdoor Christmas displays where you can stay active. But in this post, we feature several locations to engage nature unencumbered by any holiday extras.
Where to hike? Here are some of our favorite winter trails.
Carpe diem! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and the happiest holidays.
Augie Trail, Lake Jacomo
Ascend rocky bluffs amid serene woodlands on this 13-mile hike in Lee’s Summit.
Hidden Valley Trail, Clay County
Experience the crunch underfoot on four miles of trails in this Northland wooded reserve.
Nelson Island, Shawnee
The Mill Creek Streamway’s northern terminus ends on Nelson Island on the shore of the Kansas River.
Day hikes and longer
If you have more than a few hours available, then take advantage of winter’s quiet and enjoy a day hike where you’re likely to have a trail to yourself. Some great options include:
The Smokehouse Trail, a remote hike on the western shore of Clinton Lake in Douglas County, Kan.
Wallace State Park, a leaf-strewn woodland of hills and steep ravines near Cameron, Mo.
Hike a riverside section of the KATY Trail between Jefferson City and Columbia.
Finally, if you’re interested in an overnight trip, the Elk River Trail, near Independence, Kan., is a 15-mile trek through the rocky Chautauqua Hills, along the Elk River and beside Elk City Lake. Winter is an excellent time of year to enjoy this trail free of bugs. Primitive camping is allowed.
Do you have other favorite winter hikes? Let us know about your go-to trails.
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker and loves having the trails to himself in the winter.