Hidden Valley Park Hike

This is the THIRD and LAST of three hikes to discover this hidden gem, right in the center of things! Join us to discover how spring arrives at this beautiful park!

History of Park
In the 1950’s, the park now known as Hidden Valley Park began with the acquisition of land west of North Bennington along Russell Road, purchased as part of a plan to add parkland to Kansas City North. The name was selected because of the deep, wooded valley south of Russell Road that, up until then, had been “hidden” from the general public’s view. The area north of Russell Road was first used as a radio controlled airplane airfield for many years and was formerly referred to as “Airplane Park” by locals.

Hidden Valley Park encompasses close to 195 acres of ground. One-third, the mowed area, lies on the north side of Russell Road and is referred to in the Master Plan as the “North Area”. The other two-thirds is south of Russell Road, the “Natural Area”. In 1978, 82 acres of the south side was designated a Missouri Natural Area by the State of Missouri Conservation Department.

In 2013, ground was broken to being major improvements to Hidden Valley Park. Since that time, the park has been converted from a mowed field to a park with lighted asphalt walking trails, 9-hole flying disc course, state-of-the-art playground equipment, rain gardens, park benches and a reservable shelter house with picnic tables, grills and a drinking fountain.

Trail: Hiking/Walking/Running/Biking
4 miles. The Hidden Valley Park trail skirts the rim and dives into the valley that earned the park its name. A mid-length trail, Hidden Valley has a remote feel and boasts unique, stunning views down into the valley.

Type: Out & Back

Elevation Gain: a little hilly

Estimated Speed: ~ 2 mph

Terrain: Mix of dirt (can be muddy) paths with rocks and roots & hillsides.

Equipment: Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, e.g. layers of wicking clothing, gloves & a hat, as appropriate. Hiking-specific shoes/boots, hiking poles/staff for traction assistance, water, snacks & whatever else you need.

Prevent bugs & ticks from being interested in you through repellent(s), pants (not shorts) & a long-sleeved shirt + check for them afterwards; promptly addressing any you find on your person.
https://www.jcprd.com/DocumentCenter/View/1147/Prevent-Tick-Borne-Illnesses-PDF

Unfortunately, we cannot allow our canine partners on this walk!

There are no vaccine, mask, or testing mandates.
If you're sick, please do not attend.
If you develop symptoms/illness during the trip, you may be removed for your and others' safety.
Knowing the above, it is your choice to attend the outing.

Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet 🌎
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VmOchhp8o