Burr Oak Woods: 1,000 acres of woods and wilds
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs, Mo.
Mighty oak trees, limestone boulders and pastoral beauty are highlights of this Eastern Jackson County refuge.
Trail Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
Overview
Burr Oak Woods is a must-visit destination for nature buffs in Kansas City. Located in Blue Springs, the park features a nature center, limestone boulders and cliffs, clear streams and tall grass prairie. You can spend an hour or a day exploring the more than 1,000 acre refuge. It’s compelling in all seasons, although mid-summer can be buggy and muggy. If you’re short on time, we recommend the Bethany Falls Trail. But no matter which trail you pick, you can’t go wrong. The visitors center is a destination for school children from around the metro area and features hands-on displays. In addition, Burr Oak Woods is the site of numerous educational classes – both indoors and out – sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Although the park is open daily, visitors’ center hours may vary.Most people miss several hundred acres of this refuge north of Pink Hill Road. That area can be accessed from the parking lot on Strode Road and can be explored via mowed (but unmarked) trails. This section includes glade areas, restored tallgrass prairie, wooded groves and steep ravines. The prairie areas are dominated by big bluestem grass, which can reach seven feet in height. Mixed in are a potpourri of multi-colored wildflowers.
Length There is a total of six miles of hiking on six different trails. However, you can walk many more miles if you venture onto what are called “area access trails.” These are open to the public but may not be as well marked or maintained as the designated trails. They can be viewed on the trail map below.
Address and location
1401 N.W. Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Conditions Trails range from paved to gravel and natural surface and from easy to moderate.
Kid friendly? Children will enjoy the nature center and the paved trail can easily accommodate strollers. The gravel trails are for children who are up for a rigorous hike.
How busy? This is a popular destination and can be busy on peak days and seasons.
Pets Prohibited. You can read the rules here.
Bikes Prohibited on trails.
