Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
4.5
About
The trails are the best hiking trails in the Kansas City area. Trails are rated easy to moderate with some good hills. The trails are very scenic with sites along trails including streams with waterfalls in a very wooded area. Wildlife includes; numerouse species of birds, white tail deer, turkeys, ground hogs/wood chucks, squirrels, turtles, numerous species of butterflies. The trails are not crowded at all, might be about 10 people on the 3.5 miles of trails at any given time.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
44 reviews
Excellent
30
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14
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0
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Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,632 contributions
Apr 2020
Parkville Nature Sanctuary is an amazing for place hiking in the woods. It is located downstream of the Riss Lake dam, and the Alloe Creek runs through the Sanctuary. There are several loop trails totaling approximately 3.5 miles.
The Old Kate trail is the most popular one since it goes by the beautiful waterfalls. The White Tail trail is about 1.5miles long and goes up and down hills, but was less crowded. Numerous bird songs could be heard throughout the park.
The trail head is beautiful and has picnic tables, playground, ample parking and the old Parkville jail!
The Old Kate trail is the most popular one since it goes by the beautiful waterfalls. The White Tail trail is about 1.5miles long and goes up and down hills, but was less crowded. Numerous bird songs could be heard throughout the park.
The trail head is beautiful and has picnic tables, playground, ample parking and the old Parkville jail!
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chantel
Kansas City, MO242 contributions
Nov 2020
We found this little secret out through a friend and decided to make it our adventure for the week.
My kids loved walking along exploring but their favorite part was at the end of our latest hike when we found the "kid" zone where they could climb and balance on tree stumps. We have been 4 times trying to make a video about it for our YouTube channel but only twice has there been parking so we could actually walk. At first I thought it was a pain but the more I think about it it has helped cut down on how many are exploring at one time and keeping it more nature than paths. We have never seen the waterfall in full force but we still enjoyed them.
My kids loved walking along exploring but their favorite part was at the end of our latest hike when we found the "kid" zone where they could climb and balance on tree stumps. We have been 4 times trying to make a video about it for our YouTube channel but only twice has there been parking so we could actually walk. At first I thought it was a pain but the more I think about it it has helped cut down on how many are exploring at one time and keeping it more nature than paths. We have never seen the waterfall in full force but we still enjoyed them.
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyla M
147 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
We've lived within 30 minutes of Parkville for many years but have never visited. Lovely place! We walked the trails, saw beavers, listened to water trickling, saw the waterfalls, and enjoyed the hike. When you are aware from the ballpark, you only hear the nature. Wonderful views - you are in a forest of tall trees with the occasional reflection bench to sit down. No dogs allowed (glad we left Bandit home). We will definitely return!
Written 26 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niel k
Bel Aire, KS290 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
There is a very wide variation of animal, insects, and plant wildlife. Many of the lower trails are either surfaced with tree service mulch or drag sand (chat). The drag sand surfaced trails will support a baby stroller or a wheel chair, and these trails are very easy. While the trails may be wheel chair accessible, help may be required to get up some of the inclines. The upper White Tail trail is a little more difficult with greater elevation and steeper grades in places. The upper trail has areas that are just dirt, 1/2"-3/4" rock, or covered with tree service mulch. All of the trails together equate to about 3 1/2 miles in distance. I have included some pictures of some of the wildlife and vegetation in the sanctuary. I have been trekking in the sanctuary for over 4 years now. There are snakes, but I have only seen 2 in those 4 years. One was a copperhead and the other (pictured) appears to be a red milk snake. I have also seen the pileated wood pecker, which has a bright red head and is quite large (appeared to be about a foot tall). There is also a commons area with a roof, a fireplace, and a couple picnic tables (for lunch area for larger groups). No dogs, bicycles, or motorized vehicles are allowed in the sanctuary. Entrance is off of MO highway 9, between the Platte County Health Department and the Park University softball diamond.
Written 8 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not_Dorothy7
Kansas City, KS14 contributions
Sept 2018
My wife and I enjoyed the trails and the waterfall. We didn't walk down all the trails but there is a sign indicating most are not more than 3/4 miles long. There is lots of trees and the hiking paths off the main trail. If you're a photographer there are several natural formations for great pictures. The park is located just behind Risk Lake and next to the Parkville High School.
Written 8 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonnevy O
Kansas City, MO516 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We’ve been to this place for2-3yrs now.We love it.Great place for a hike even in the middle of summer.Plenty of shades and benches along the trails.You can choose to hike or walk since there’s levels of trails.Dogs are not allowed.Just wish people can be a little more conscientious about throwing their trashes.
Written 13 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buytaerts
Owatonna, MN238 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Very easy hike with many options. Waterfall trail was cute - kids 13, 12 & 6 enjoyed it. Great place for a picnic.
Written 30 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bob555
kansas city72 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Always have a great time getting outdoors and walking the trails many birds to see and hear and small animals I once saw some deer
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debwelsch5
Dexter, MI121 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
My family and I have done this hike many times. Its a great little hike. You really get the feeling you are out in the woods but its easy to get to and close to town.
Written 22 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane H
Lenexa, KS332 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
We were looking for a hike close to KC and found the Parkville Nature Sanctuary on the internet. It was too beautiful a day to stay inside so we made the easy drive from Johnson County to Parkville. We completed the hike in about 1.5 hrs. The trail is well marked and easy to follow with a good footpath. There was a lovely waterfall and the woods looked like the Ozarks. We were excited to find a little pencil sized snake. This park would be gorgeous no matter what time of year you come to visit. I look forward to returning again.
Written 6 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Según la información aquí, no hay costo.
Written 18 January 2020
MzAnna
Dallas, Texas
Hi, just there with a small group, they were unable to find the waterfalls, any suggestions? Thxs
Written 23 May 2019
The waterfall is on the Old Kate Trail. If you Google the Parkville Nature Sanctuary they have the different trails posted.
Written 24 May 2019
I believe there is a no pets rule. In the nearby English Landing park along the river there is a very big dog park though. Also you can walk a dog on a lesh in English Landing park which is in Parkville.
Written 23 March 2018
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