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.

Even though winter has been mild, there's no substitute for the sights and sounds of spring in the hills and fields of Greater Kansas City. Here are three of our favorite day hikes.

Can you summon courage to join the elite few (many?) who have scaled this (not really) lofty peak?

How to hit the trail without an epic fail: Although it seems like a no-brainer, even a leisurely stroll can be sabotaged.

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. Caveat: Hiking on wet and cold surfaces can always result in unintended acrobatics – so use caution.

Sure, right now we’re sitting under a forecast with cold and snow. But soon enough, the season will change and new horizons will open. I enjoy the planning and anticipation as much as the hike itself. In that spirit, here are five epic hikes to put on your 2024 calendar.

Here are our Top 10 most-viewed hiking posts based on views. We appreciate your support and readership! In viewing these popular posts, you may discover a trail to blaze in 2024. Carpe diem!

Winter’s a great time to hike. But there are challenges, including hunting season in conservation areas and even public parks. In addition, wet weather leads to the closure of some trails. But even with these caveats, there are plenty of miles of trail open and ready, even in winter. Here are are top three trails for winter hiking in Kansas and Missouri.

Winter hiking presents challenges, but with a few preparations, most of these can be overcome. Here is Kansas City Hiker’s guide to staying warm, safe and active during the winter months.

Here, we list our top five hiking footbridges in Greater Kansas City.

The Kansas Flint Hills and Smoky Hills are some of America’s last wild places. They’re a well-kept, well-preserved secret for Midwestern hikes and outdoors enthusiasts.

Wildflowers are bursting in spring and summer, but there’s still plenty alive and kicking in the fall. While you can see them along roadsides, you can get a more concentrated and diverse view out on the trails in Kansas City.

There are abundant hiking opportunities in and around Lawrence, Kansas, and Douglas County. It’s one of the state’s premiere hiking regions.

There have been multiple confirmed bear sightings in Cass County, Mo., this summer. What’s up with that? Nate Bowersock, a bear biologist with the Missouri Dept. of Conservation, joins us to discuss:

• Why are bears migrating north from their home in the Ozarks?

• What danger do bears pose to humans?

• How should you respond – and not respond – if you personally encounter a bear?

• What about bears and dogs?

There’s no reason to let bears (or any animal) keep you from enjoying the outdoors in Greater Kansas City. However, being “bear aware” will make sure that people and bear are the most likely to peacefully co-exist.

In Greater Kansas City, we have an abundance of lakes that feature trails. However, if you’re looking for lakes that are more on the wild side, these are for you. Here, we feature three trails that offer remoteness, opportunities to see wildlife and a (very) long walk.

Don’t let the season get by without discovering some new Midwest horizons.

Despite high weeds, bugs and heat, the experience was worth it.

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.