Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area — Attraction in Blue Springs

A really beautiful nature area in Blue Springs. It’s very close to I-435 so it’s easy to get here. We did the Bethany Falls loop trail and it was amazing. Lots of beautiful rock formations, a creek, valley, trees, wildlife and even a prairie that is accessible from this trail and leads to another trail. This particular trail (Bethany Falls) is not super short but also only took us maybe an hour, it was really a perfect distance and didn’t have much up and down so it’s easy to do. I forgot the mileage but it’s a moderately simple trail to follow and anybody can do it. We saw young children on the trail with their grandma so if they can do it, you can do it. I don’t own dogs but if you do, keep them at home for this one. Not sure about the rest of the park but the Bethany falls area does not allow dogs on the trail. There is many other trails in this park so if you have animals check those ones out if you want to bring a pet. Their website may have information about that I’m not sure. Final thoughts— one of the best nature spots I’ve been to in the Kansas City metro. It was clean, well marked, had information placards, benches etc. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique area to visit near KC this would be it! Oh and we didn’t see a waterfall but it was beautiful nonetheless and should be considered if you like the outdoors. Maybe there is a waterfall somewhere but I like rock formations better anyways and this definitely provided lots of those. Have fun, leave no trace and get outside and...

This is one of the best conservation areas we have visited in MO. The trails were very well maintained and mostly flat. We parked at the first trailhead for the Wildlife Habitat trail. We took that trail, connected with the Hickory Grove trail, then went on to the Bethany Falls trail. Bethany Falls is named for the "Bethany Falls limestone", there is not a waterfall anywhere on this trail. The limestone bluffs are really neat and fun to explore. While on the Bethany Falls trail, we took the Prairie Connector trail to the Discovery trail. The Discovery trail is a paved loop near the nature center. There is a second paved trail near the nature center, but we didn't explore it. The nature center is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so we didn't get to go inside it. We doubled back from the Discovery trail to the Prairie Connector trail to get back on the Bethany Falls trail. This led us back to the Hickory Grove trail so we could get back to where we parked. Strava clocked our hike at 6.85 miles. We really enjoyed our time here. Hikes can be short or long, depending on what time you have and how far you want to walk. Note - do not bring your dog(s) b/c they aren't allowed on the trails. Also, there is no trash can at the Wildlife Habitat trailhead. There is a dumpster at the Bethany Falls trailhead. There are a few privy toilets at different trailheads but no hand sanitizer so...

Been here literally hundreds of times over the last 30 plus yrs. I love coming here! Great place to bring kiddos for nature classes, field trips or any time they are open. The nature center has big fish tank, snakes, frogs,turtles and tons of taxidermy animals and activities for the kids. There is a tree house with a slide. There is also an outside play ground behind the nature center. We love all the trails! The best trail for kids 3 and under is behind the nature center. The prettiest trail and my favorite is Bethany Falls Trail. There are a few more. There is a pine grove right past the entrance on the right. It is the so beautiful. Great place for pictures. They are requiring permits after July for photography anywhere in the park. You definitely want to wear bug spray and bring a water. They do have bathrooms by the entrance of the trails and at the nature center. You can pack a picnic this is a great place to have a family picnic. This would be great place for a picnic date too. There is poison ivy all over this place if you go off trails. They do lock the gates at dusk. There are no bike trails. They do not allow dogs either unless they are a service animal. They also do not allow you to fish...