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. 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.

Kansas City Hiker lists nine trail systems in Lawrence and Douglas County (but of course there are many more). The area is a great location for day trips because it’s close to Kansas City and has plenty of creature comforts to sustain you before and after hiking. All the amenities and weirdness of a college town are nearby.

Warsaw, Mo., has quietly distinguished itself as a standout hiking location. This Central Missouri lake community doesn’t get all the hubbub of our state’s better-known lakes. And that’s great for those of us who prefer nature and serenity.

Don’t let ticks and other “no-see-ums” keep you indoors in Greater Kansas City. By making the right preparations, you can enjoy nature without complications from ticks and other inspect bites.

Should you hike solo or with a group? Yes! While some only want the wind as company, others wouldn’t think of hiking without a group. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle. What are some factors to consider when deciding whether to go alone or with hiking buddies?

The 117-mile Flint Hills Trail takes hikers and bikers through Kansas’ rural, eclectic backyard. Crumbling history, stunning views, monuments to Native Americans and more are all waiting to be discovered.

First it snows, then freezes. Then it thaws and everything turns to slush. Most natural surface trails will either be closed or turn to a sea of slop. What’s a hiker to do? While there’s no perfect solution, some trails offer viable options even in the sloppiest of winter weather.

Apart from remote destinations in the Ozarks, the Columbia, Mo., area features one of the state’s most concentrated series of scenic hiking areas. This may indeed be a well-kept secret.

Winter hiking is paradoxical. It’s cold … yet invigorating. The landscape is mostly brown, yet it reveals horizons usually blocked by green foliage. When snow is on the ground, contrasts are vivid: a fox, herd of bison and numerous birds leaped to the forefront of my vision. All of these phenomena were apparent as I hiked on the Flint Hills Trail at Council Grove and at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

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 this episode of the Kansas City Hiker podcast, host Roy Harryman interviews Chris Blunk, District Supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation, about how hikers can safely navigate Missouri Conservation and other public areas during hunting seasons. Can hunters and hikers safely co-exist, or even thrive? The answer may surprise you.

Kansas City Hiker speaks with Seth Brooks, author of the recently released Falcon Guide "Hiking Kansas." Seth discusses the unique ecosystems and hidden gems that Kansas offers, challenging its common perception as merely flyover country.

Prairie doesn’t deliver the quick fix of Rocky Mountain National Park or the Grand Canyon. But give it time, and it can deliver its own unique brand of beauty. Ready to explore? Here’s a “starter kit” of six local and regional prairie hikes in Greater Kansas City that won’t disappoint.

The urban Art and Nature Walk in Kansas City connects Anita Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kauffman Legacy Park, Theis Park and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Travel from east to west in Clay County, Mo., visiting Watkins Mill State Park, Tryst Falls and finishing up at Smithville Lake. These destinations are only 30 minutes drive time from start to finish, with the waterfall right in the middle. It’s a scenic trifecta.

Hiking in the small towns surrounding Kansas City introduces you to new trails. In addition to hiking, it also opens opportunities to explore rural culture and history. Here are seven small town hikes to expand your hiking horizons in Greater Kansas City.

This trip, only two hours from Kansas City, offers a Flint Hills trifecta. Visit The Nature Conservancy’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, a ghost town and a 40-foot waterfall – all in Kansas!

Kansas City is a river town. But few experience our waterways except when speeding across a highway bridge. There’s more to see – and learn – than meets the eye.

In Kansas City, there are ample options to get in a few thousand steps and observe wildlife – all while keeping the Downtown skyline in sight. Here is a roundup of our favorite urban hiking trails and destinations.

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.