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Park Trails

at Weston Bend State Park

Bear Creek Trail

  • Hiking

Length: .20 Mile View map

The short trail goes to Bear Creek. The trail is accessed by crossing the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Burlington Northern Railway tracks. Bear Creek is in the floodplain of the Missouri River and an example of second-growth bottomland forest. A variety of wildlife is commonly seen, including migratory songbirds. The trail is natural surface, with occasional stones and tree roots. The area is subject to standing water in the roadway as well as an occasional flood.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
.20 Mile 10 minutes, one way Linear Green  

Campground Trail

  • Hiking

Length: .70 Mile View map

The trail is frequently used by visitors to the campground. It is blazed in orange and offers a brief walk through second-growth forest and old farm fields. This is a favorite place for visitors to give their pet some exercise, although we ask that you please clean up after their pet. There are a few short sections where the climb can be a little steep, but generally the trail is an easy walk. As the trail has a natural surface, visitors should be aware of the possibility of rocks or tree roots in the trail.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
.70 Mile 30 to 40 minutes Loop Orange  

Harpst Trail

  • Hiking

Length: .70 Mile View map

While short in length, this trail is a fairly strenuous hike in some portions. The trail offers a journey through a portion of the mature river hills woods that once were common along the Missouri River in northwest Missouri. The trail is a natural soil base. Tree roots and exposed rocks are common.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
.70 Mile 45 minutes Loop Yellow  

Missouri River Trail

  • Hiking

Length: .30 Mile View map

The short trail offers a short walk to a view of the Missouri River. The trail is accessed by crossing the Weston Bluffs Trail and the Burlington Northern Railway tracks. The trail ends at the river, with drop-offs along the way. The trail is in the floodplain and a good example of second-growth bottomland forest. A variety of wildlife is commonly seen, including migratory songbirds. The trail is natural surface, with occasional stones and tree roots. The area is subject to standing water in the roadway as well as occasional flood events.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
.30 Mile 10 minutes, one way Linear Yellow  

North Ridge Trail

  • Hiking

Length: .90 Mile View map

This trail has a soil surface with numerous exposed tree roots and rocks. Because of the relatively steep grade, sections can be slippery if wet. At the mid-point of the trail, the remnants of an old farmstead can be seen to the right. The trail ends at private property but offers a view of the Missouri River valley. The trip out on the trail can be strenuous because of the grade, while the return trip is, of course, easier. Please be respectful of the private property of park neighbors.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
.90 Mile 1 hour, 20 minutes roundtrip Linear Red  

Paved Bicycle Trail

  • Bicycling/Mountain Biking
  • Hiking

Length: 2.75 Miles View map

The trail has an asphalt surface and is popular with both hikers and bicyclists. If you travel in a counter clockwise direction, you will walk through a section of mature river hills hardwood forest, complete with pawpaw, white oaks, sycamores and more. The second half of the trail gradually climbs back up to the starting point and travels through a stand of maple trees that gives way to old farm fields. These have been reverting to cedar trees and a mix of prairie grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. Because of the relatively steep grade, sections can be quite slippery if the trail is wet. 

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
2.75 Miles 1 hour, 25 minutes Loop Green  

Weston Bluffs Trail

  • Bicycling/Mountain Biking
  • Hiking

Length: 3.25 Miles View map

This trail is along the western border of the park and runs parallel to the Missouri River and Burlington Northern Railway. It connects the state park with the city of Weston on the north and with the village of Beverly to the south. The north half of the trail is paved with asphalt while the southern half is a fine gravel surface. Although generally flat, there are gentle grades and changes of elevation. This trail is popular with hikers and bicyclists looking for a pleasant, non-strenuous outing. Along with glimpses of the Missouri River, it is possible to see migrating birds and waterfowl. With its connection to downtown Weston, the trail is often used by park visitors wishing to make a trek to shop or dine in town without taking a vehicle.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
3.25 Miles   Linear Brown  

West Ridge Trail

  • Hiking

Length: 1.25 Miles View map

This trail connects to Harpst Trail and the Paved Bicycle Trail and is normally accessed from the Overlook parking area by means of the Harpst Trail. When combined with hiking times on the Harpst Trail and the Paved Bicycle Trail, actual hiking time could be up to 2.5 hours. The trail offers some of the best panoramic views available of the Missouri River valley bordering Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Also in view is the city of Leavenworth to the southwest and the Iatan Power Plant to the northwest. Sections of the trail are steep and have exposed tree roots and occasionally muddy conditions. The trail offers excellent opportunities for observing native and migrating birds, as well as a variety of flora and fauna.

Length Estimated Hiking Time Type Blazes Trailhead
1.25 Miles 1 hour, 15 minutes, one way Linear Blue