- This event has passed.
Walktober 2021: Riverfront Heritage Trail (West Bottoms)
Event Navigation
Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! The month of October is ideal for exercising outside ~ the temperatures are cool and the colors are spectacular. Walktober makes the most of this great season by inviting participants on a tour of autumn’s most vibrant landscapes and inspiring everyone to make movement a priority!! Dogs on leashes are welcome. Commemorative Walktober buttons, designed by artist Kevin Worley, for the first 200 participants at each location. Attend all five events and collect all five designs!
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon, Free
Location: Riverfront Heritage Trail (Segment 5/West Bottoms), 751 Madison
Check-in: Tent by the Red Caboose
Guided Tours: FILLED
Plein Air Quick Paint Contest Details>>
WALKTOBER PRE-REGISTRATION>>Recommended but not required
The West Bottoms trail segment begins at the top of the bluff near the Lewis & Clark memorial and reaches base via the Bruce Forrester Viaduct. This route allows the Trail user to reach the bottom without having to wait for trains which frequent this area. At the base of the viaduct the Trail doubles back to Mulberry Street where it heads north in the direction of the Lewis & Clark Viaduct. The trail splits here. If you follow the Trail east you will find Riverfront Heritage Trailhead. The trail head includes ample off the street parking, The Trailhead contains two memorials to critical events in the history of the City that took place on that site, namely, the route enslaved people escaping took to reach the Free State of Kansas and first tracks of a frontier railroad that would eventually place Kansas City in the center of commerce. The trail west has been named Freedom Trail because it was such a critical route for enslaved people trying to find safety in the Free State of Kansas. Riverfront Heritage Trail Segment Five Map>>
The Kansas City River Trails Board is providing FREE events and prizes. BikeWalkKC will be conducting a FREE bicycle safety training, with bicycles provided for the training. FREE bicycle helmets will be available for the first 40 participants! Snacks, drinks, trail maps, safety information, and giveaways will be FREE, while supplies last! MARC and MoDOT’s Destination Safe has provided funding for these events.
FILLED: Urban Hikes KC is providing FREE guided hike/tours at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. departing at 751 Madison
In this urban hike, you’ll hear stories of the mafia, Lewis & Clark, discuss how enslaved people escaped to freedom and will learn about KC’s start along the MO River. We see art, walk up hills, connect with each other and get exercise. We cover the River Market and the West Bottoms. 3 miles 1.5 hrs