My wife and I were back in Blue Springs, Missouri, for Thanksgiving with our oldest son, Augie. I’m not sure who got stuffed more: The turkey or me! 🦃
The day after, I worked off a few of the calories speed hiking the Wildlife Habitat Trail, Hickory Grove Trail and Bethany Falls Trail in the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, a Missouri state park. The Wildlife Habitat Trail and Bethany Falls Trail are 1.5 mile loops connected by the 1.2 mile Hickory Grove Trail. All three rated “moderate”, but they are actually easy, with minimal elevation change. My previous visit has a detailed description of Burr Oak Woods.
Whereas in 2017 I hiked the loops clockwise, this time I hiked them counter-clockwise. Despite a sign on the Wildlife Habitat Trail warning it was “one way”. Living outside the law: That’s me.
As I was not taking pictures for a hike video — the video below is from 2017 — I booked it, averaging 3.44 mph. The only change I noticed from back then is that new trail signs have been installed along Hickory Grove Trail, so it’s not so confusing near the Aylward Educational Pond.
I hope you had a good holiday with as many friends & family as you saw fit to give thanks with!
Directions: From Kansas City, head east on I-70 to exit 20. Head north on Highway 7 for 1.3 miles. Turn left (west) onto Park Rd. Drive past the school into Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. Park at whichever trailhead is closest to where you will start your hike.
GPS File: Burr_Oak_Woods_Conservation_Area
Distance: 5.16 mi.
AEG: 319 ft.
Time: 1h 30m
Hike Video
Hiking Burr Oak Woods, Missouri from Preston McMurry on Vimeo.
