Here in the Kansas City area, there's a lot to do involving the outdoors. The hiking trails near us are filled with some beautiful landmarks and foliage. Well, until winter, that is. There's just so much more to see here than you would expect. You just have to get out there!

11. Roanoke Park Trails - Roanoke Park

This "out-and-back" trail is about 2.4 miles long, and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed on leash, and the forested scenery is worth any time spent outdoors. There's just some things you can't find inside, and this is one of them. Don't get lost!

10. KCPD Trail of Heroes - Kansas City

This trail is under a mile long, but many who use it spend time reading about the heroes lost and the memorials for them. Dogs are allowed on leashes only, and the trail is kept well enough that most people should have no issue hiking it. Bring your friends!

9. Platte Purchase Park Trail - Kansas City

This is a smaller, one-mile loop that doesn't offer much of a challenge for most hikers. Dogs are allowed on leash only, and the scenery frames much of the beautiful sky above you. It's a peaceful trail that's easy to walk at any pace, so there's no excuse for missing this one!

8. Hidden Valley Natural Area Loop - Hidden Valley Park

This 2.6-mile-long loop features a river and plenty of open skies at the end of the trail. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and it's not as crowded as some of the others here, despite being right in town.

7. Happy Rock Trail - Happy Rock Park

Another small one-mile loop, the Happy Rock Trail, is a great paved trail used for hiking and walking. Dogs are allowed if on leash, and it's easy enough that kids shouldn't have any issues following it. It's pretty popular, so don't expect to be alone.

6. Eddy-Ballentyne Trail - Blue River Parkway

This little loop trail is about 1.5 miles long and wanders through the rocky scenes of Blue River Parkway. It's a little tougher than some of the other trails listed, with overgrown foliage and a rough path, but the wildflowers are worth it when they're blooming. It's also dog friendly!

5. Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail - Swope Park

As the name suggests, the best way to go through this five-mile trail is by bike. It's dog friendly, and not impossible to hike; however, the elevation gain might be too steep for many, so be careful.

4. Maple Woods Natural Area Trail - Maple Woods Nature Preserve

One of our smaller trails, this loop tops out at around a mile. It's dog friendly (as long as they stay on leashes) and features a gorgeous river near the start. It's great for beginners, but the trail may not be as clean as some would like, so watch out for rocks and the occasional limb.

3. Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail - Minor Park

This busy loop is about 5.4 miles and is located right near Kansas City. It's great for people of all experience levels.

2. Longview Lake Trail - Lees Summit, Missouri

This trail's a little longer, but easier on the joints. At almost 12 miles, this "out-and-back" trail is full of twists, turns, and beautiful scenery. It's also dog friendly, provided you keep them leashed.

1. White Tail Trail - Parkville Nature Sanctuary

This three-mile trail is very popular, mostly for the gorgeous waterfall and river. It's a little hard on the joints though, so make sure you've got your walking stick with you!

Have you taken on any of these trails? Which one is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments below, and don't forget to share your photos on the Only In Kansas City Facebook page or on Instagram (@onlyinkansascity) for a change to see your shots featured!

After all this hiking, you should definitely hop in a car and check out this small town near Kansas City that's perfect for a day trip.