parkville nature sanctuary

Wonderful get away yet very easy to access. Trees, streams, animal life and easy paths wi th a bit of history thrown in.

There is a very wide variation of animal, insects, and plant wildlife. Many of the lower trails are either surfaced with tree service mulch or drag sand (chat). The drag sand surfaced trails will support a baby stroller or a wheel chair, and these trails are very easy. While the trails may be wheel chair accessible, help may be required to get up some of the inclines. The upper White Tail trail is a little more difficult with greater elevation and steeper grades in places. The upper trail has areas that are just dirt, 1/2"-3/4" rock, or covered with tree service mulch. All of the trails together equate to about 3 1/2 miles in distance. I have included some pictures of some of the wildlife and vegetation in the sanctuary. I have been trekking in the sanctuary for over 4 years now. There are snakes, but I have only seen 2 in those 4 years. One was a copperhead and the other (pictured) appears to be a red milk snake. I have also seen the pileated wood pecker, which has a bright red head and is quite large (appeared to be about a foot tall). There is also a commons area with a roof, a fireplace, and a couple picnic tables (for lunch area for larger groups). No dogs, bicycles, or motorized vehicles are allowed in the sanctuary. Entrance is off of MO highway 9, between the Platte County Health Department and the Park University softball diamond.