Little Blue Trace Trail to Rock Island Trail connector completed

Published on September 22, 2026

Jackson County has expanded its trail network with a new connector linking the Little Blue Trace and Rock Island trails together.

The nearly $2.9 million project joins the county’s two longest and most popular trails, creating a safer, more accessible connection for walking, running and bicycling.

“This is a significant investment in Jackson County’s trail system and in the quality of life of our residents,” Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said. “Connecting the Little Blue Trace and Rock Island trails expands recreational opportunities, strengthens connections between our communities and makes our growing trail network even more accessible.”

The connector trail was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 18.

During the ceremony LeVota said, “We’ve built 15.5 miles of the Little Blue Trace Trail, and in 2021, we completed the first 13.5 miles of the Rock Island Trail. Today, we’re bringing those two trail systems together with a connection our residents have wanted for a long time.”

The new route utilizes George Road, the Noland Road Bridge over the Little Blue River and a new trail segment along the Little Blue River to connect with the Rock Island Trail.

Jackson County partnered with the City of Kansas City on the project, which received $935,000 in federal highway grant funding through the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Jackson County contributed $1.94 million toward the $2.87 million construction project.

“We continue working with our partners to complete the remaining connections that will eventually link Jackson County’s Rock Island Trail to Rock Island Trail State Park and the Katy Trail system,” LeVota Said.

“The vision is a continuous trail network stretching across Missouri, from the Kansas City side of the state toward the St. Louis side,” he said. “That’s a big goal, and Jackson County is committed to doing our part to get there.”