Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation

Located north of Highway 210 and west of I-435, Hidden Valley Natural Area lies in the southern portion of Hidden Valley Park. This 82-acre Natural Area contains old growth and old second-growth forest with a rugged and deeply dissected topography on deep loess soil. The deeply shaded northern exposures of the area provide a moist environment for ferns – a total of eight species are found here including the rare Goldie’s fern – a species of conservation concern in Missouri. Showy spring wildflowers and beautiful fall colors are other highlights of this area.
Invasive exotic plant species are a threat to this Natural Area, but abuse from illegal off-road vehicle use is a far greater problem. The Thomas Hart Benton group of the Sierra Club, a KC WildLands partner, has adopted this site and begun work to ensure the protection of this local natural treasure.

Regulations:

Hours: No closed hours
Pets: On leash only

Directions:

Take I-435 to the Parvin Road exit and proceed west 0.5 mile. Turn left onto Bennington Road for 0.3 mile and turn right onto Russell Road. The parking lot will be on the top of the hill on the right. From the parking lot, the entrance into the natural area is across Russell Road through the open field.

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