Rolling Woodland Trails and a Waterfall Delight at Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri

 

Following Parkville Nature Sanctuary's rocky hiking trails, we found ourselves winding through a beautiful and dense forest with ravine and waterfall views on our latest road trip. The Kansas City area preserve enchanted us with nature discoveries allowing us to unwind after a day of exploring.

A natural trail curves through the lush woodlands of Parkville Nature Center.

While planning our trip to the Kansas City area, I immediately put Parkville Nature Sanctuary on our list after I learned that it has a waterfall. I must see waterfalls when I can! However, I did not realize how much I would love this preserve until I found myself wandering its trails. 

Before entering the trails, we checked out a nicely detailed map at the head of our trail. I love when we can find maps to orient ourselves before heading out. The sanctuary's trails are part of the Jim Reed Trail System offering 3 miles to explore. We embarked on the Old Kate Trail soon entirely swept away in forest of green with brilliant rays of sunlight dancing through the leaves.

A waterfall tumbles in two short veils over chunky boulders at Parkville Nature Sanctuary.

The Old Kate Trail is a about a mile long but there are additional spindles you can add to your trip. We followed the trail to the waterfall which is comprised of a few tumbles over a stream of boulders. We are currently in a drought, so the waterfall is likely more alive during wetter times. Even at a slower pace, the waterfall still charmed us and attracted quite a few hikers to take a pause from the trail.

A boardwalk leads through vibrant green wetlands.

As we continued to hike, we reached a wetland area and began walking along a boardwalk. Boardwalks just have this way of guiding you forward with curiosity. 

Interesting Fact: Parkville Nature Sanctuary was first created in 1989 with the donation of 46 acres. An additional 69 acres were added in 1998.

A few horsetails are popping up from the wetland floor.

We did discover some horsetail which often grows in wetlands or a long streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Soon, we started hiking to an overlook. Reaching the overlook, we soaked in a fabulous view of the wetlands below and the boardwalk in the distance.

From the overlook, we saw the boardwalk bordered by
green leaves made slightly golden by the sun.

We savored a lovely pause at the overlook before returning to the trail. The trail became a little more uneven and we soon saw a ravine to our side. Another trail ascended up the bluff. 

The ravine is a mix of dead leaves from seasons gone by
and new green plants with trees rising above.

As we concluded our hike, we held on to the joy we felt wandering the trails of Parkville Nature Sanctuary. We found our tranquil hike to be the perfect nature adventure we needed to unwind from the day. Parkville Nature Sanctuary offers a fantastic, reflective, and tranquil Kansas City area hike.