Land snorkeling at Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Area in Kansas.
No trail, no problem. Get more of nature by leaving the beaten path.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
I didn’t invent the term “land snorkeling,” but I’ve done my share of it. Land snorkeling simply means exploring off-trail, or hiking where there are no trails.
In Greater Kansas City, there are ample opportunities to leave the path and discover more of nature. It only requires a little curiosity, some sturdy footwear and some way of orienting yourself. In bug season, it definitely requires insect repellent.
Where to go land snorkeling
Missouri Conservation Areas, Kansas Wildlife Areas and Iowa Wildlife Management Areas are often excellent places to wander. In addition, National Wildlife Refuges and Corps of Engineers land are generally open for exploration. The only places that aren’t suitable are those that specifically prohibit going off-trail (and signs usually alert you to this rule).
Locally, a favorite place of mine to dive deeper is Bridger Urban Conservation Area, which borders Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs. A stream cuts through the area and includes several small waterfalls. The creek continues north out of the conservation area and runs all the way to Lake Jacomo. You’ll be the only person shuffling through this rocky, lonely valley.
Trekking along the creek between Bridger Conservation Area and Lake Jacomo.
Cooley Lake Conservation Area, east of Liberty, Mo., is also a rugged place to explore (but not during deer season). Although there is a trail network, it’s unmaintained, so you’ll end up snorkeling even when trying to follow the trails. And that’s OK, because the scenery is stunning.
Off the beaten path at Cooley Lake Conservation Area in Clay County, Mo.
Walking along the Missouri River usually involves some sort of bushwhacking. Jackass Bend National Wildlife Refuge has no trails and borders the river. Whack through the brush and you can enjoy the Mighty Missouri all by yourself. This can also be done with less effort at Weston Bend State Park. Take the Bear Creek Trail to the river, then follow along. You’ll have to improvise as you go.
Riverfront Bliss at Weston Bend State Park
You can also walk the prairie, including at Smoky Hill Wildlife Refuge near Salina. There are established trails, but the scenery will make you want to hop off and explore.
Cautions about land snorkeling
Warning: Leaving the trail removes several creature comforts.
Beware of bugs. For this reason, land snorkeling is best done in months with little insect activity.
Sturdy boots required. Walking across rocks, roots and weeds can easily lead to tugging your ankle in the wrong direction. Boots that reach halfway up your calf help protect your ankles from sudden twists. Trekking poles are also a good failsafe.
Wear thick and protective clothing. It’s amazing how many thorns nature produces. In addition, all manner of “stick-tight” seeds will cling to your pants. Thick clothing keeps you from getting shredded.
Snakes. If you land snorkel in winter months, you’re not going to step on a snake. When walking prairies in warmer months, it is possible to stomp on a rattler or other venomous snake. Time your trip accordingly.
Private property. Don’t walk on private property (don’t poke the bear). You never know what type of reaction you may draw from a property owner. Some have filed costly lawsuits against trespassers who only vertically passed over a fence post that separated public and private land.
Finally, don’t get lost. You’ll need to have some way of knowing where you are. This could be the AllTrails or other map app, a compass or serious Eagle Scout stuff. And just in case you twist an ankle, make sure somebody knows where you are.
If you’ve hiked all the trails and don’t know what to do next, land snorkeling may be the next step. Discoveries await.
