Wildlife Habitat, Hickory Grove, and Bethany Falls Trails
Wildlife Habitat, Hickory Grove, and Bethany Falls Trails
2.9
(1)
89
hikers
02:02
7.62km
80m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate hike through the Wildlife Habitat, Hickory Grove, and Bethany Falls Trails, a diverse route spanning 4.7 miles (7.6 km). You will encounter lush forests and open prairies, gaining 257 feet (78 metres) in elevation over approximately 2 hours and 1 minute. A highlight is the Bethany…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.94 km
385 m
295 m
Surfaces
5.99 km
745 m
405 m
343 m
119 m
< 100 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Friday 8 May
19°C
12°C
70 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
These interconnected trails are located within the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area in Blue Springs, Missouri, offering a convenient escape into nature about 20 miles outside of Kansas City.
The trails are generally considered easy to moderate. The Bethany Falls Trail is rated easy to moderate, while the Hickory Grove and Wildlife Habitat Trails are mostly easy with minimal elevation changes. They are suitable for most skill levels, though some sections may be uneven or have steps.
You'll encounter a diverse mix of terrain. The Bethany Falls Trail features dirt and crushed gravel paths winding through forests and meadows, with significant limestone outcroppings. The Hickory Grove Trail is primarily a compacted limestone gravel path, while the Wildlife Habitat Trail includes prairie areas, forested landscapes, and bridges.
The Bethany Falls Trail is renowned for its impressive Bethany Falls limestone formations and has been recognized as an award-winning trail, even featured in Backpacker magazine and voted the No. 1 trail in Kansas City. It offers dynamic views and lush scenery.
The Hickory Grove Trail serves as a key connector between the other two trails. It often parallels Burr Oak Creek and passes by the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond, where you can observe various aquatic life like turtles, bullfrogs, bass, and catfish.
As its name suggests, the Wildlife Habitat Trail focuses on showcasing and restoring natural habitats. You might spot various wildlife such as squirrels, and the area is known for diverse habitats that support unique wildlife viewing opportunities, including turkeys.
Yes, dogs are welcome on all trails within the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, including the Wildlife Habitat, Hickory Grove, and Bethany Falls Trails. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times.
Spring and fall are particularly beautiful. In spring, you can expect to see wildflowers, while fall brings colorful foliage. The trails are accessible year-round, but conditions may vary with weather.
Parking is available at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. Specific trailheads, such as for the Hickory Grove Trail, are well-marked within the conservation area. There are no shuttles required.
No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area or its trails. It is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is free for public use.
The full route, combining sections of the Wildlife Habitat, Hickory Grove, and Bethany Falls Trails, is about 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles) long. Most hikers can complete this in approximately 2 hours, depending on pace and stops for observation.