Bad Ben's Trail Running Site
Blue River Parkway Trails (BuRP), aka "Minor Park"
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Blue River Parkway Trails
(known as BuRP)

BuRP, aka Minor Park is a great park for running on trails, especially in the Summer.  This is due to the efforts of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Dept working with area MTB cyclists to keep the weeds trimmed-back from the trails.  This lessens the chance of picking up a tick, or getting a dose of poison ivy.  Thanks, JCP&R and Earthrider folks!
 
Also thanks to Rob Stitt and his great web site with all of its trail maps and information. Rob organizes trail maintenance days on these trails, by the way.
 
Running:
There are many miles of runnable trails in the park.  The main access points are listed below, but there are a few others.  The terrain varies, and there are some nice fording areas to cross the Blue River, but use common sense during high water days.  Also, take care not to damage the trails by running on them in wet and muddy conditions.  Happy trails, and remember that everybody MUST YIELD TO HORSES!
 

Rob Stitt's BuRP WEB SITE

minor_park.jpg
Minor Park Topo Map w/trails, courtesy of R. Stitt.

Blue River Parkway Trail Heads
 
Directions to the main trail head:
At the south end of the I-435 loop, take I-435 (east/west) to the Holmes Road exit. Go south on Holmes to 117th Terrace (across from the Red Bridge United Methodist Church; note that 117th Terrace angles to the southeast). Take a left (southeast) onto 117th Terrace and follow it a block until it ends at Troost. Take a right (south) onto Troost then take the first left (east) onto 118th Street. Follow 118th Street across the railroad bridge to the trailhead. Please be considerate of the people's driveway and the Park Entrance when parking (i.e., do not block the driveway or the park gate!).
 
Alternate Trail Head:
At the south end of the I-435 loop, take I-435 (east/west) to the Holmes Road exit. Go south on Holmes to Red Bridge Road (Burger King on left, Amoco & Phillips 66 on the right). Go left (east) on Red Bridge, across the bridge. The park entrance is the first right just past the bridge. Park at the south end of the road, in the cul-de-sac. The trail begins south-southwest across the field and down-then-up the hill by the river.

MapQuest Link to Main Trail Head

MapQuest Link to MINOR PARK (Alternate Trail Head) This is where we normally meet to run.

Local Weather

Aerial Photograph of BuRP Area

Navigable Topographical Map of BuRP Area

Kansas City Trail Running Site