The Little Blue Trace is 12 miles long. The original planning map that is widely publicized shows only 10 miles, but changes were made in the final layout of the trail that were not included on the map.

The mile markers are low, concrete slabs set in the adjacent grass borders, but they are easy to overlook. The southernmost .8 mile of the trail is concrete. It runs behind the Hartman Heritage shopping area and ends abruptly at the I-70 bridge.

For history buffs, the trail will lead you under a 1900 railroad bridge (mile 11.1) that is still in use (by Kansas City Southern). You'll also go under an abandoned railroad trestle (mile 3.7) that was originally part of a narrow gauge railroad built in 1878, and through a Civil War battlefield (Engagement at the Little Blue--part of the larger Battle of Westport), with a display map table, at mile 1.1.

The trail takes you under Little Blue Expressway (mile 11.4), Pink Hill Road/39th Street (mile 10.9), R.D. Mize Road (mile 9.1), Truman Road (mile 6.2), Bundschu Road (mile 2.5), and U.S. Highway 24 (mile 1.1).

At M-78 Highway (mile 5.2) the trail leads you up onto the 4-lane roadway and bridge, which you must cross to reach the continuation of the trail on the other side. Fortunately M-78 doesn't carry much traffic, and there is good sight distance in both directions and a wide shoulder.

At mile 1.1 the trail crosses an active railroad line (Union Pacific). Sight distance is good.

The trail gradually descends as you head northward. There are short, somewhat steep, ramps at the underpasses, and the trail has a few dips and slopes along the way. It is not quite as level as a rail trail.

The only permanent restroom facility along the trail is at the M-78 shelter house, mile 4.9. There is no running water there, however. During the current season (2010), a port-a-potty is in place at the Hartman Heritage parking lot, mile 11.5.

The trail is subject to flooding by the Little Blue River, and this is pretty much an annual event every June. The flood leaves mud deposits on certain sections of the trail. This mud becomes rutted by bicycle tires and hardens as it dries, leaving rough places that last all season. Also, in spots the gravel becomes rutted by heavy rains and stays that way for quite a while. The section from mile 3.5 to 4.5 is occasionally used by trucks that service water wellheads near the trail. This truck traffic can also leave deep ruts. The county does a good job of mowing the adjacent grass strips, but they are not so good at filling ruts.

Trail pedestrians tend to be oblivious to overtaking cyclists. Often they don't get out of the way unless the cyclist has a bell to warn them. (The trailside signs state that everyone is supposed to keep to the right and pass on the left, just like a highway, but sometimes that doesn't happen.)

The trail offers a good deal of scenery, and you have the sense of being far from the city, even though you're not. You'll likely see a variety of wildlife--deer, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, snakes, and birds of all kinds. (I haven't seen any skunks, but I've smelled them!) About 30 percent of the entire trail length is shaded. There are three shelter houses and three secluded picnic tables along the route.

The trail will be lengthened an additional 3-1/2 miles southward over the next year. That will take it under I-70 and U.S. 40 Highway to Lee's Summit Road. Construction bids have gone out and work is scheduled to start in the fall of 2010.

This was a great find for my family. We went only about 1/4 of the way but the scenery and trail itself were great. It really has no hills to speak of, we walked what we did and deffinetly would recommend it to anyone.

"I ride this trail 3 or 4 times a week. Currently the trail is about 10 miles one way. Part of the trail is blocked due to a new bridge being built at Highway 24. When this is complete then this will make available the final two miles on the north end to Blue Mills Road. There is a parking area , just north of I -70 on Little Blue Parkway. This is just east of the Independence Shopping Center. Lots of scenic river views. Lots of wildlife. The trail also continues on the other side of Little Blue Parkway Rd. Its a one mile extention which is concrete paved. Stops at I-70 bridge at this time. Mostly flat but there are some small hills to climb. Easy. "