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Rock Island 98th Street (Vale) Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 231 Google reviews · Running trail in Kansas City, Missouri · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Rock Island 98th Street (Vale) Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Well-maintained trail featuring a tunnel, plus shaded areas for running and walking.
What runners say about Rock Island 98th Street (Vale) Trailhead
“Clean ORI restroom and plenty of parking for 9 RV's and 10 cars all at the same time.”
“Scenic views and plenty of other outdoorsy types make this a spot you will want to continue to visit again and again.”
“In the summer there is a pretty nice tree canopy covering the majority of the trail.”
“Otherwise it's usually pretty quiet, secluded and peaceful.”
I like this trailhead as it's a little more "secret" back off of the main road. There is a porta potty, and it's near the tunnel on the trail. As with any part of this trail, it will be a pleasant walk with friendly people along the way. It gets busy so early to noon is about the best.
This is a wide, flat, easy to use trail that has a fair amount of people on it to give you a feeling of safety and camaraderie but not too many to feel crowded. If you go in the morning or evening the route is entirely shaded. Mid day though with the sun directly overhead the trees can't help you out.
One of my favorite places to run. In the summer there is a pretty nice tree canopy covering the majority of the trail. It’s peaceful and beautiful out there.
This was a wonderful area to park, and either walk or bike! The trees are still colorful, but they will be gone soon.
Trail conditions & character
“Scenic views and plenty of other outdoorsy types make this a spot you will want to continue to visit again and again.”
“Always a nice conversation with someone on the weekends, parking lot gets packed when it's nice outside.”
“In the summer there is a pretty nice tree canopy covering the majority of the trail.”
“Paved and gravel walking trails with a creek that runs along parts of the trail.”
“Paved and gravel walking trails with a creek that runs along parts of the trail.”
“This is a wide, flat, easy to use trail that has a fair amount of people on it to give you a feeling of safety and camaraderie but not too many to feel crowded.”
“I hopped on and did 5 miles to 63rd and walked back for 10 mile walk.”
“Otherwise it's usually pretty quiet, secluded and peaceful.”
“Clean ORI restroom and plenty of parking for 9 RV's and 10 cars all at the same time.”
Plan your run at Rock Island 98th Street (Vale) Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 816-503-4805
Running trails near Kansas City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Vale Tunnel, Rock Island Trail
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Winterset Park Nature Area
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