The Unity Village Nature Trail is a quiet and gentle hike. The trail is located in the small township of Unity Village, nestled between the borders of Lee’s Summit and Kansas City. Renovated and dedicated as the Carl L. Chinnery Nature Trail in 2016, the trail is now a designated wildlife preserve, and is registered as one of the Great Missouri Birding Trails.

[su_heading size="20"]Points of Interest[/su_heading]

Natural Rock Land Bridge

The Unity Village Nature Trail is a quiet and gentle hike. The trail is located in the small township of Unity Village, nestled between the borders of Lee’s Summit and Kansas City. Renovated and dedicated as the Carl L. Chinnery Nature Trail in 2016, the trail is now a designated wildlife preserve, and is registered as one of the Great Missouri Birding Trails.

Points of Interest

Natural Rock Land Bridge

An impressive feature at the Unity Village Nature Trail is a large natural bridge. It is the only natural formation of its kind to be found in western Missouri. It was a landmark for traveling pioneers, and it is rumored to have been one of the hideout locations for the famous outlaw, Jesse James.

Hobo Rocks

The nearby railroad tracks made this location a popular boarding and exit point for nomadic workers (hobos) during the Great Depression. If you look closely at a set of boulders along the trail, you’ll discover engraved names and symbols. These symbols contained information for other travelers on where nearby assistance could be found.

Fit-Trail System

There are several permanent exercise stations positioned along the trail, each with informational signs to guide you through proper stretches and body exercises. This trail is a great option for people looking to get a full body workout while enjoying the natural surroundings.

A Tale of Two Trails

One half of the Unity Village Nature Trail travels along the banks of Little Cedar Creek where you are treated to the sounds of rolling water and wildlife among the shaded forest canopy. The other half of the trail travels through open grassland in full view of the sun. The juxtaposition between these two environments provides a dynamic shift in your hiking experience. If you prefer to avoid the sun and steep hill, I recommend traveling clockwise through the forested area and turning around at the steep hill midway through the trail.

Park Hours

Sunday: Dawn to Dusk
Monday: Dawn to Dusk
Tuesday: Dawn to Dusk
Wednesday: Dawn to Dusk
Thursday: Dawn to Dusk
Friday: Dawn to Dusk
Saturday: Dawn to Dusk