Weston Bend State Park

I had a wonderful time at Weston Bend State Park when I visited in early November! I took the West Ridge Trail (entrance/​exit very near the overlook) pretty leisurely and got through it in a little less than an hour (even when stopping to take a few photos). It was a fun trail — enough ups, down, and turns to keep it interesting! Overall, the park seemed clean and safe, and I’d definitely suggest spending part of the day there.
I loved seeing how big the park is and I can’t wait to go back and continue exploring. The only disappointment I have about it was that I think I missed the beautiful fall colored leaves by about two weeks. I had plans to go to Weston Bend for a good part of the fall but the Royals (fortunately) kept on winning so I kept pushing it back. I’ll have to remember to go a little earlier next year!

This place is amazing. A little slice of woodsy paradise and an escape from the rush of the city. Wildlife is abundant for you bird and wildlife watchers. In fact, first time I ever visited this park last year I parked for a few minutes to get my Pandora going and looked up to see a 9 point buck standing right in front of my car!
The trails are awesome and clean my favorite being the more strenuous West Ridge Trail (just left to the lookout), I make it longer by combining all 3 trails to make it a 3-​ish mile hike. All seasons provide great views on this trail, but during the fall the trees put on a spectacular show.
ONLY complaints I have is that some people who use the park and trails refuse to put their dogs on a lead. This drives me crazy because when I’m running or hiking the last thing I want is for someone’s dog to interrupt my focus or get MY dogs worked up. Second concern is the bifurcation of the West Ridge Trail wasn’t appropriately marked the last time I used it. Not a big deal for me since I knew where I was going already, but it could make for an unhappy visitor should they find themselves lost.

Let me tell you about this place. As soon as a nice, 70 degree day comes along, I’ve been known to call in sick to work/​school/​life and head up to this park. Weston, MO is a fabulous town anyway but I would come to this park regardless. First, there is a GREAT 2.8 mile paved biking trail winding through this park not to mention 3 other non-​paved trails. There’s one main trail head for the paved trail but you can catch the unpaved trails at several places. Love hiking here. Love it. Love it. It’s beautiful and oftentimes I’ll hike for quite a while before I see anyone else.
The park itself closes at dark. There is playground equipment for the kids and some vaulted toilets. The tobacco barn is quite the sight to behold and the lookout over the Missouri River is breathtaking and pretty accessible. As far as state parks, this one is not that huge. You can probably spend most of an afternoon and get a good time here in. I do budget at least 2 hours though. Who am I kidding, I would come all day if I could.
There is a state camp ground at this park as well. There are a couple hike-​in spots that aren’t too far (quarter mile I think). I will say that the weekends fill up INCREDIBLY fast– especially in the fall months. Weston does some great fall festivals and the camp ground isn’t that large. You can reserve spots but they have to be two night stays you reserve them WAY in advance.
This park is a great day trip or weekend jaunt from KC. And if you’re into camping, this is a must try at least once in your life.

Go here frequently to hike and bike. Sometimes camp. Around a three Mile hike with many hills and some great views inside the park. Along the river it is around a five mile very flat trail. Partially paved. Great for biking. For camping there are great clean restrooms with shower facilities. Don’t forget the bug spray!

Camped here and loved it. Camp host was great. Nice facilities and a well maintained campground.

I went here to walk the paved trail with my dog. I was not disappointed. It was quiet and peaceful. My dog enjoyed getting to know the new smells. I was also trying to see if I would want to ride my bike here. I think that will wait. There are some steep hills and sharp curves that I could see myself, as a novice bicycler, falling on. There were warning signs which I thought was great. Trail maps are provided along the whole walk so you can always get an idea of where you are at. It wasn’t crowded at all on a Saturday morning. It really was beautiful and I can’t wait to head back there again and do some more hiking. Definitely worth a trip out there!

Camped here for the 4^th of July, and LOVED it. Even my boyfriend, who usually camps in really secluded areas, loved it.
We were in campsite #3, which is right at the beginning of the loop near the entrance and the bathrooms. Even though it’s near that, though, it was surrounded by trees on three sides and felt very secluded. We drove around the loop and it seemed like a few of the sites were more secluded than others, with the RV sites at the back of the loop being the least. Even though this place isn’t super far out there, it FEELS like it!
We were only there for two nights, but had a great time. We hiked the Harpst trail, which is 2.25 miles, and was absolutely gorgeous. You really can see beautiful views of the Missouri river, mostly from one particular spot on the trail — the rest is seen through trees. Be aware that although it’s only a few miles, you go downhill quite a ways and have to hike back up. It was great fun though, and a good hike. We went around the loop so that we joined up with the paved bike trail at the end of our hike, but even though that was paved it was still beautiful and secluded. Also, lots of up and down hills. I imagine it would be a pretty challenging bike ride! We only ran into a couple other hikers on our way through, mostly people just setting out right as we were hiking back in. Also note: we drove to the trailhead (at the overlook), and were SUPER glad we did.
Each campsite has a little grill that doubles as a fire pit, that they clean out between each visitor. They also have picnic tables, but we moved ours over so my dogs could have plenty of space to run around on their leads. We were very comfortable in our site. My boyfriend said it would have been nice if the campsite across the way wasn’t DIRECTLY across the road, but we were each set far back enough that it wasn’t like we were staring at each other. :) My dog loved chasing the butterflies and finding sticks to chew on.
Also something I noticed: they have really nice bathrooms. REALLY nice. Everything is clean and dry and well-​lit. I didn’t use their showers while there, but they looked really nice as well. Although I heard one woman complaining about the water not getting hot, her friend in the next stall said it was and was trying to explain how to make it hot. I think that one was user error.
I would DEFINITELY come back here. There’s a farmer’s market and gas station a ways down the road in case you run out of anything or need more beer like us. :) The park has a couple day-​use areas that would be nice to hang out and BBQ and go hiking too, even if you aren’t camping!

Insane hills and views of the Missouri River. Nice paved and dirt trails. Decent facilities. Just a dramatic and gorgeous place. Historic, too.
The overlook and trail on the river itself are just stunning year-​round.
The town of Weston itself is 6 minutes away and has a distillery, craft brewery, and a couple of decent food options.

I completely adore this park! We just went today and enjoyed the full almost 3 mile paved trail. Unfortunately it was much too muddy to hike any of the trails that led off into wooded areas and really explore. Our husky pup duo couldn’t get enough it seemed. With all the steep inclines, it put them right to sleep on the car ride home. I’ll admit… I’m in somewhat decent shape but sit at a desk and the uphill bits actually had me a little winded! I’m definitely looking forward to coming back and doing some camping!
My only tiff about Weston Bend is that it needs to be repaved sooner rather than later. It would really vamp it up! The restrooms are clean too.

Behold! Nature: Unfolding in front of you!
After 30+ years of fighting it, this year I finally succumbed to fall foliage mania, and seeing how this past week seems to be that sweet spot where all of the trees are at their most fiery brilliant, I wanted to get outside, and pronto. I snagged up the husband, a friend and my dog and set out to Weston Bend State Park for an afternoon of hiking. It was everything that I was hoping for.
First of all, if you’re coming from KC, even the drive here is beautiful. I highly suggest taking the «scenic route» through Parkville and a couple of tiny communities. It only adds a few minutes, and it sets the tone. We drove straight to the lookout point, but passed an interesting tobacco barn that I’d like to check out on our next visit. It seems like this is a fairly large park that would take multiple visits to properly explore.
Once we got to the lookout point, it was truly a lovely site. Overlooking a valley bisected by the missouri river, farmland and forests spread out in front of us, displaying the brilliant colors of the season. It’s a great photo op, and a pretty dang wholesome activity for a lot of families and people in love to take advantage. We didn’t stick around, b/​c it was time for our hike.
The unpaved trails make a loop that I estimate at about 3 miles. It has some hills and somewhat steep inclines, but I think it you’re a remotely healthy person with the use of both their legs that you should be OK. There will be plenty of people on the trail, so don’t expect a TON of privacy, but everybody is incredibly friendly, all just happy to be outside and soaking in the experience.
One last thing: While we saw no wild turkeys on this particular occasion, we have been told that they are in fact a regular site. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Great place to hike if you live in Leavenworth or Platte City. Never really crowded and lots of trails make for a good hiking getaway. You can trail run or walk the dog or camp, many options exist here.

This is a great park and camping area and I have been back several times. Quiet, well mantained and safe. I would even feel perfectly comfortable camping alone. The trails are lovely, bathrooms are pretty clean, and the showers are private & spacious… this coming from a clean freak. Just be sure to take shower flip flops. :)
The only downfall of the park (and the park is not to blame) is that I always get the dang super-​itchy chigger bugs when I camp here. Take lots of bug spray and maybe you will do a little better. I’m from the upper Midwest, where these pesky varmints don’t live, so maybe it’s just part of life «down here.»)

When it comes to great hiking around the Kansas City area, Weston Bend is one of my favorite venues. During my super fitness days I would go and run the entirety of the paved trail, which after you walk it once you will understand that hills abound! Now if you are looking for a beautiful park to walk or bike through, the hard trail is perfect, but be aware there are some steep slopes to scale. If an actual dirt path hike is what you are after, definitely check out the river bluff trial. Only a couple of miles longs, this trial runs a ridge line allowing you to look out over the river for most of your trek. Towards the end you dip into the forest and cross creeks and wind through gorgeous foliage. Another superb feature that is the overlook. A short and easily passable trail takes you to a large wooden overlook that allows you to view the river and most of the surrounding area. I would recommend to anyone to spend a day here; pick nick, hike, nature watch, and just relax. Camp grounds are also available, but I have not used those yet. Finally, for you history buffs interested in our own local history, check out the old tobacco barns and provided information. What ever you do, with whom ever you do it with, you will surely enjoy a day here. Oh, and do your activities quietly, as a Missouri Conservation Area this land is abundant in wild animals. My personal favorite sighting so far was the flock of wild turkeys easily 35 — 40 strong (lots of babies!).

Great for a fall hike! Granted it’s an leisurely hike, not much in the steep hill department but just a beautiful morning. I visited in late October and have to say, Weston Bend was just gorgeous with all the trees changing color and overlooking the Missouri River. A great spot for your inner photographer and hiker to roam. Worth the drive and so close to the little town of Weston for a post hike lunch!

Nice little park with a nice campground and really nice hiking trails. We tent camp, so our favorite spot in the campground is #26, the only first-​come first-​serve non-​electric site. It’s one of the nicest in the park; near the restroom and isolated from the other sites. Plus, 2 or 3 nice grassy spots to place the tent.
Our favorite trail is the West Ridge trail, a nice loop that provides a couple really nice views of the Missouri River and Fort Leavenworth. We haven’t gone after the leaves fall off yet, but we look forward to the expanded views.

This park is a quick drive from KC. We went in the late afternoon in August. We did a 2 min hike to a viewpoint and saw the Missouri river. It is a great spot to bring a book and read or just come and relax and watch the world pass you by.
When your done enjoying nature, you can stop by the town of Weston. It is a really cute place with lots of antique shops, an old fashioned candy and ice cream shop and some restaurants.

This trail has great views over looking the Missouri River, the problem is the mosquitoes. I think it might of been the time of year, the first week of July, but still I really couldn’t enjoy the trail due to the trailing of mosquitoes after me.
The bike trail was paved and had several areas to hike off into that had overlooks. There is also a Tobacco barn that was blocked off due to construction, but you can still walk up to it.
I want to go back later when there will be no mosquito and perhaps explore the downtown area of Weston. After being bitten by so many mosquitoes I really wasn’t in the mood to go to any breweries, wineries, or distilleries.