Not every hike needs to be a challenge. Some days are just made for an easy stroll through nature. This little trail, arguably one of the best hikes in Missouri, is perfect for those days. The White Tail Trail is short, sweet, and offers plenty of gorgeous views for minimal effort. Here’s what you need to know about it.
The White Tail Trail is a 2.6-mile loop trail located in Parkville Nature Sanctuary near Kansas City, Missouri.
AllTrails/James Schultz
It’s rated as “easy” and is just the right length for hikers of all ages and ability levels.
AllTrails/Christopher Avila
The trail will take you through shady woodland and past appealing scenery.
AllTrails/Christopher Avila
You can expect to see babbling brooks, tumbling waterfalls, and picture-perfect wooden bridges.
AllTrails/Joy Thomas
The trail does gain a small amount of elevation (about 300 feet), but the terrain is even underfoot. This hike is ADA-accessible.
AllTrails/Miles Ramsay
Bikes and dogs aren’t permitted, so plan to leave Fido at home. However, you should remember to bring a sturdy pair of shoes, some snacks, and plenty of water.
AllTrails/Davis Hosea
You can enjoy dining al fresco in the covered shelter that has been built on the foundations of an old scouting cabin.
AllTrails/Miles Ramsay
When you’re in the mood for a quick and easy hike, you can’t go wrong with the White Tail Trail.
AllTrails/Miles Ramsay
Do you agree that the White Tail Trail is one of the best hikes in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! For more information about hiking the White Tail Trail, including detailed hiking directions and route maps, check out the trail’s official AllTrails listing here.
AllTrails/James Schultz
AllTrails/Christopher Avila
AllTrails/Joy Thomas
AllTrails/Miles Ramsay
AllTrails/Davis Hosea
Missouri is loaded with spectacular hiking trails for all ages and ability levels. Check out these 16 trails that we think may be the best in the state.
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Address: 55-199 E 13th St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Missouri March 24, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Missouri? Remember when we were kids and we spent all of our free time outdoors? Of course, for some of us, that was well before the days of smartphones and the internet. The streetlights told us the time, and even then we’d resist going indoors. While technology certainly vies for our kids’ attention, we can still get them outdoors for a bit of fresh air and fun. In fact, a trek along one of the many kid-friendly trails in Missouri just might ignite a love of hiking in new generations. Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City is picture-perfect for explorers of all ages. The short but sweet trail leads straight to a small cave and boasts several fascinating ruins. Castle Trail meanders through Ha Ha Tonka State Park and gives a glimpse into the past. Explore the remnants of what once promised to be a majestic castle along the trail, or discover another cave on the Sheep’s Cave Trail. Where can I find scenic hikes in Missouri? We can all probably agree that Missouri is an absolutely breathtaking state, and one of the best ways to explore is on a scenic hike. With more than 1,100 hiking trails throughout the state, we certainly can never get bored. Mark Twain National Forest is one of the prime spots to go hiking. It spans 1.5-million acres and boasts a slew of gorgeous hiking trails – from easy to difficult. If you want to find solitude, look no further than the forest. Mooner’s Hollow Trail runs through St. Francis State Park and offers a ton of natural beauty – streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, and even a fairy tale footbridge. While the Smithville Lake Trails are pretty any time of the year, you’ll definitely want to visit during the summer. Bring all of your beach gear; relax on the sandy beach, and cool off in the shimmering lake. Before or after you do that, explore the area on the Smithville Lake Trails, which total more than seven miles. If that’s too long, you can go on the shorter trails that traverse the lake.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Missouri
March 24, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Missouri? Remember when we were kids and we spent all of our free time outdoors? Of course, for some of us, that was well before the days of smartphones and the internet. The streetlights told us the time, and even then we’d resist going indoors. While technology certainly vies for our kids’ attention, we can still get them outdoors for a bit of fresh air and fun. In fact, a trek along one of the many kid-friendly trails in Missouri just might ignite a love of hiking in new generations. Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City is picture-perfect for explorers of all ages. The short but sweet trail leads straight to a small cave and boasts several fascinating ruins. Castle Trail meanders through Ha Ha Tonka State Park and gives a glimpse into the past. Explore the remnants of what once promised to be a majestic castle along the trail, or discover another cave on the Sheep’s Cave Trail. Where can I find scenic hikes in Missouri? We can all probably agree that Missouri is an absolutely breathtaking state, and one of the best ways to explore is on a scenic hike. With more than 1,100 hiking trails throughout the state, we certainly can never get bored. Mark Twain National Forest is one of the prime spots to go hiking. It spans 1.5-million acres and boasts a slew of gorgeous hiking trails – from easy to difficult. If you want to find solitude, look no further than the forest. Mooner’s Hollow Trail runs through St. Francis State Park and offers a ton of natural beauty – streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, and even a fairy tale footbridge. While the Smithville Lake Trails are pretty any time of the year, you’ll definitely want to visit during the summer. Bring all of your beach gear; relax on the sandy beach, and cool off in the shimmering lake. Before or after you do that, explore the area on the Smithville Lake Trails, which total more than seven miles. If that’s too long, you can go on the shorter trails that traverse the lake.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Remember when we were kids and we spent all of our free time outdoors? Of course, for some of us, that was well before the days of smartphones and the internet. The streetlights told us the time, and even then we’d resist going indoors. While technology certainly vies for our kids’ attention, we can still get them outdoors for a bit of fresh air and fun. In fact, a trek along one of the many kid-friendly trails in Missouri just might ignite a love of hiking in new generations. Cave Springs Park Trail in Kansas City is picture-perfect for explorers of all ages. The short but sweet trail leads straight to a small cave and boasts several fascinating ruins. Castle Trail meanders through Ha Ha Tonka State Park and gives a glimpse into the past. Explore the remnants of what once promised to be a majestic castle along the trail, or discover another cave on the Sheep’s Cave Trail.
Where can I find scenic hikes in Missouri?
We can all probably agree that Missouri is an absolutely breathtaking state, and one of the best ways to explore is on a scenic hike. With more than 1,100 hiking trails throughout the state, we certainly can never get bored. Mark Twain National Forest is one of the prime spots to go hiking. It spans 1.5-million acres and boasts a slew of gorgeous hiking trails – from easy to difficult. If you want to find solitude, look no further than the forest. Mooner’s Hollow Trail runs through St. Francis State Park and offers a ton of natural beauty – streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, and even a fairy tale footbridge. While the Smithville Lake Trails are pretty any time of the year, you’ll definitely want to visit during the summer. Bring all of your beach gear; relax on the sandy beach, and cool off in the shimmering lake. Before or after you do that, explore the area on the Smithville Lake Trails, which total more than seven miles. If that’s too long, you can go on the shorter trails that traverse the lake.
