Nature Walks

woman walking across a bridge in the woods
man and woman hiking through the woods

(Notice:  Nature Walk outings are currently suspended due to COVID-19 and the inability to provide for physical distancing as recommended by the CDC while transporting participants inside our District vehicles.  We will continue to monitor recommendations and hope to resume these programs soon. Please continue to visit this page and sign up for our e-newsletter for updates.)

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.

Nature Outings

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.

Receive weekly e-newsletter updates from 50 Plus.

button_sign-up-here

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

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
Group of people viewing wildflowers
group of people walking on grass trail