Toellner Tells it

Wallace State Park -- Miles 2-7 for 100 Missouri Miles

A few months ago, I attended Governor Nixon's kickoff for the 100 Missouri Miles campaign. I walked a mile in Loose Park with the Governor, and committed to knocking out 100 miles on Missouri Trails this year.

Unfortunately, a new job, and hot summer weather, has kept me for checking off the miles. So yesterday, we headed out to Wallace State Park near Cameron to get some of our miles in. 

Wallace State Park isn't one of the state's largest state parks, but it's less than an hour from downtown KC and has several nice hiking trails. 

At the heart of the park is Lake Allaman and most of the trails take out near there.

Probably the prettiest hike of the whole group is a short-ish trail that loops around the lake and gives a really nice view of the lake from all angles.

 

We hiked several trails. We started with the 1.75 mile Deer Run Trail (which can be shortcutted into a 1 mile trail) and the 1.25 mile Deer Creek Trail (which must be done in conjusction with the Deer Run Trail). The Deer Creek trail hikes by a couple of small ponds and then goes down the hill and follows Deer Creek (which was dry, as would be expected in September).

We also hiked the 1.25 mile Old Quarry Trail. The Old Quarry Trail starts off along a boardwalk and then heads up into a creek bed, goes through an open field, and then loops back down to the start.

We also hiked the trail that runs around Lake Allaman a couple of times using it as a scenic connector trail so I figure we got to 5 miles of hiking. We're 7 miles into our 100 Missouri Miles -- so we have a lot of work left to do.

 

 

Governor Nixon kicks off 100 Missouri Miles Campaign

Yesterday, Governor Jay Nixon was at Loose Park to officially announce the kick-off for his "100 Missouri Miles" Challenge.

A few weeks ago, American Trails, a national organization, named Missouri the "Best Trails State" for its collection of city and state-wned hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The Missouri State Parks system alone boasts more than 1000 miles of managed trails.

Meanwhile, the Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-trail in the nation, and alone brings in more than $18 million in tourism revenue for the state, and supports more than 100 dedicated jobs.

In honor of the "Best Trails State" Award, Nixon is challenging Missourians to the "100 Missouri Miles" challenge -- encouraging all Missourians between now and the end of the year to tackle 100 miles of trails -- either by hiking, biking, walking, horseback riding or kayaking. 

As of this morning, more than 2000 Missourians have already signed up for the challenge and have tracked more than 8,000 miles of trails. You can sign up too at the website. 

After the short press conference, Nixon invited those in attendence to join him as he walked the entire 1 mile loop around Loose Park. Around 50 people followed him around the loop -- and I have to say, the Governor keeps a very brisk pace!  

First off, I think this is a really cool award for Missouri. I love that we're finally getting recognition for the great recreational activities we have in the state. I also think this is a really fun idea by the Governor and I am hopeful that a lot of people sign up to participate. I am signed up, and will highlight my journey to 100 miles (of which I'm 1 mile in after yesterday's walk) on this blog.

Meanwhile, I was disappointed that there was more political support from Kansas City for the announcement. KCMO Parks Department Head Mark McHenry was in attendence, but there was no representation from the mayor's office or the city council. Also, news coverage from the mainstream media also was suprisingly light given that he was kicking off the campaign in Kansas City (the initial kickoff event in St. Louis was rained out last weekend).  

But I encourage people to sign up and check out what Missouri has to offer in the way of hiking, biking, equestrian and kayaking trails.

Website: 100 Missouri Miles

Twitter: @100MoMiles