Any backpacking near Kansas City? (St. Louis, Ozark: home, camping, moving to)

[tguidry]

Hi everyone!

thinking of moving to KC from Denver. cannot afford a decent home here in Colorado and worried about water shortages in the future.

are there good backpacking trails near Kansas City?

do I have to settle for "car camping" in state parks?

thanks,

tom

[northbound74]

I'm not completely certain what "backpacking" is, but I think there's a thing called Katy Trail, which goes all the way across the state of Missouri, that might be for hiking. Here's the website....Katy Trail Maps, Towns, Events, Mileage, and more

Other than that, there's the Ozarks, which are about an hour or two south of KC. There isn't much in the way of public land, though. There is some, I think, in National Forest areas. A lot of ATV'rs go down there.

Kansas City is great, but the real "outdoorsy" types (those who must have the outdoors or they'll die) don't seem to like it as much.
A lot of people make up for it through other types of activities. Sports in general are very popular in this area. There is also some really good city park systems and walking trails throughout the metro.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by northbound74

I'm not completely certain what "backpacking" is, but I think there's a thing called Katy Trail, which goes all the way across the state of Missouri, that might be for hiking. Here's the website....Katy Trail Maps, Towns, Events, Mileage, and more

Other than that, there's the Ozarks, which are about an hour or two south of KC. There isn't much in the way of public land, though. There is some, I think, in National Forest areas. A lot of ATV'rs go down there.

Kansas City is great, but the real "outdoorsy" types (those who must have the outdoors or they'll die) don't seem to like it as much.
A lot of people make up for it through other types of activities. Sports in general are very popular in this area. There is also some really good city park systems and walking trails throughout the metro.

ATVs should NOT be allowed in National Forest areas Those vehicles should be confined to designated trail systems only. Missouri needs to step up enforcement of these vehicles that TEAR UP public land.

[MoNative34]

There's plenty of National Forest for all uses. Be it backpacking, timber harvests, camping, ATVs and mountain biking.

[GraniteStater]

QUOTE=MoNative34;2223807]There's plenty of National Forest for all uses. Be it backpacking, timber harvests, camping, ATVs and mountain biking.[/quote]

I really do not think ATVs should be allowed in National Forest areas They really do some serious damage to many areas. They should only be allowed on designated trails outside the National Forest. This is my opinion on the issue.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by MoNative34

There's plenty of National Forest for all uses. Be it backpacking, timber harvests, camping, ATVs and mountain biking.

I really do not think ATVs should be allowed in National Forest areas They really do some serious damage to many areas. They should only be allowed on designated trails outside the National Forest. This is my opinion on the issue.

[Versatile]

There will be some serious backpacking around Kansas City for awhile. Moving ice storm damaged trees and limbs! All are invited!

[GraniteStater]

Versatile,
Get ready for some snow this weekend according to the latest computer models.

[Versatile]

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! There is so much beauty even with the damage done. I understand that those with damage nor power might not have my sentiments at all. There are many thing a person can do on their own property(during the summer) to prevent ice storm damage. Many never give it a thought.

[aragx6]

The Katy Trail is not a backpacking trail. It's mostly a biking trail, with a few casual walkers scattered in. There are a lot of beautiful state parks in Missouri. I grew up on the St. Louis side, so I know more about that area than where you'll be, but as a starting point I would check out Missouri State Park's Web site: http://www.mostateparks.com/.

There's a lot of great camping (many people tent camp), and Missouri really is a beautiful state. You'll miss the mountains I'd guess, but there are some great rivers, hills and forests in MO.