Nature Walks

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Explore local trails, sites, and unique destinations! Please check specific walk information for lunch details. All walks depart from Antioch Park and return times vary. Inclement weather date is the following week. Staff will determine if weather conditions are suitable for hiking. Please bring your own water bottle and wear good walking shoes. Make sure to register for all walks at least one week in advance.  A Nature Walk Activity Key is also included below.  Call us at (913) 826-2975 with questions.

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three men standing in front of a pond in the woods on a sunny day
two women standing on a trail in the woods
group of people walking on grass trail

Adventure Walks 

Find your favorite trails all over the region! We provide transportation and a lunch reservation at a restaurant close to our destination. Lunch costs on your own. All walks depart from Antioch Park and return times vary. Inclement weather date is the following week. Staff will determine if weather conditions are suitable for hiking. Please bring your own water bottle and wear good walking shoes. Make sure to register for all walks at least one week in advance.



Wednesday Walks 

Make friends while exploring the great outdoors! We drive; you relax, and experience new destinations! Bring a sack lunch for a picnic after our walk, and a few dollars in case we stop for ice cream. All walks depart from Antioch Park and return times vary. Inclement weather date is the following week. Staff will determine if weather conditions are suitable for hiking. Please bring your own water bottle and wear good walking shoes. Make sure to register for all walks at least one week in advance.


 Burr Oak Conservation and Trails - Travel to Blue Springs, Mo. to walk along the trials at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. Enjoy your sack lunch at the pavilion while listening to a nature program by a Burr Oak staff member.  

1 - 6 hr. outing - $22 / $24 nonresidents

9457               Antioch Park    M   6/30   Wed       8 am


 Nature Programs: KU Natural History Museum 

Take a deep dive into the world of biodiversity at the KU Natural History Museum.  Enjoy a guided, private tour.  Lunch at Free State Brewing Company.  Lunch costs on your own.

1 - 6 hr. outing - $22 / $24 nonresidents

9458               Antioch Park    M   7/7     Wed        8 am


Social  Walks

Make friends while exploring the great outdoors.  Please bring your own water bottle and mask.  Please register at least one week prior to departure.  

 Overland Park Arboretum- Enjoy the brisk morning air while strolling on a leisurely walk through the stunning trails and gardens of the Overland Park Arboretum.  Meet at the Visitor’s Center.  Includes coffee and entry into the Arboretum.

1 – 1 hr. outing - $5 / $6 nonresidents

9015                        Offsite      M           5/7     Fri          9 am       (RESCHEDULED FROM 3/25)


Meadowbrook Park- Enjoy the trail at one of the newest parks of JCPRD.  Stroll past the three lakes, lined with green space and beauty.  Meet in front of the Clubhouse.  Includes coffee after the walk.

1 – 1 hr. outing - $2 / $3 nonresidents

9016               Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse      M         5/14     Fri       9 am   (RESCHEDULED FROM 4/7)


 Mill Creek Streamway Park- Stroll along the peaceful trails of Mill Creek Streamway Park on the Haller Trail. Meet at the 87th Lane Access Trailhead at Shelter 3.  Includes coffee after the walk.

1 – 1 hr. outing - $2 / $3 nonresidents

9017                Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse      M         4/21   Wed        9 am        NEW DATE TBD!


Spring Stroll-Shawnee Mission Park- Enjoy the tree-lined trails while strolling on a leisurely walk through Shawnee Mission Park. Meet at 7900 Renner, at shelter 1. After the walk, enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

1 – 1 hr. outing - $2 / $3 nonresidents

10114             Shawnee Mission Park      M         5/28   Fri        9 am


Spring Stroll-Stoll Park - Walk along the open fields and trails of Stoll Park. Meet at 12500 W 119th St, at shelter 2 on the north end of the park. After the walk, enjoy a cup of lemonade.

1 – 1 hr. outing - $2 / $3 nonresidents

10115                Stoll Park      M         6/9   Wed       9 am

 

Bars 1

Nature Walk Activity Level Key:

E= Easy (Smooth, even trail with slight elevation increases). 

  •  Trails are typically paved or packed earth with few roots, rocks or obstructions.
  •  Trails are typically wide and well maintained.
  •  Inclines, overall, will be minimal and gradual.
  •  Trail examples: Prairie Spirit Trail, Gary L. Haller Trail, Loose Park

M= Moderate (Natural or paved trail with elevation changes and variety of terrain) Recommended for participants with good balance, experience on nature trails. Use of hiking boots and walking sticks optional.

  • Trails are paved, packed earth or more rugged.
  • Trails can vary in width and level of maintenance.
  • Inclines can be steep along the trail.
  • Trail examples: Konza Prairie Trail, Watkins Mill, Katy Trail

D= Difficult (Natural trail with potentially steep elevation changes and a variety of terrain) Recommended for participants with good balance, experience on hiking trails, good endurance and high level of comfort in the outdoors. Use of hiking boots and/or walking sticks recommended.

  • Trails are typically packed earth or more rugged.
  • Trails can be narrow and require good balance and visual acuity.
  • Inclines can be steep and require the use of hands to steady (on natural objects or with poles).
  • Trail examples: Indian Cave State Park, Van Meter State Park
man and woman hiking through the woods
Group of people viewing wildflowers