Hidden Valley Park is a Hidden Northland Gem

Just north of the river, down the road from Worlds of Fun and surrounded by neighborhoods, lies a valley hidden from view. It has the usual park fair with a reservable shelter house, picnic tables, a disc golf course, and paved parking and walking trails. That’s all north of Russel Road, but cross to the south, and hikers will find themselves in a Missouri Natural Area (designated by the Missouri Conservation Department).

Setting off on the single track trail, hikers and riders are soon met by a fork in the road. But don’t worry; the trails are a loop, and each choice brings the adventurer back to the beginning. Once one passes into the canopy of trees, the city noise seems to fade away, and the trails dip and dive into the valley for about four miles. While it’s not the longest trail in the Kansas City area, it is one of the most satisfying for a quick out and back on two wheels. Standing on the trail as rays of sunlight flitter through the leaves, a feeling of remoteness sets in that is hard to come by on most suburban trail systems.

The park was established originally in the 1950s, according to the Kansas City Parks website. The plan was to add more parkland to North Kansas City, and the site was chosen because of the forested valley, which is usually not seen by the public. At first, the park north of Russell Road was used as a remote-controlled airfield, but around 2013, developments and improvements added the amenities visitors see today. The single track across the road consists of about 82 acres and was designated as a natural area in 1978.

To learn more or plan your suburban outdoor adventure, visit www.kcparks.org/places/hidden-valley-park/.