autumn day trip to nebraska

A few hours northwest of Kansas City just across the border into Nebraska is Indian Cave State Park. Although we haven't exhausted the trails here at home, it's always nice to take a day trip out of the city and we were able to head north this past week to enjoy our first hike in Nebraska. The park is well laid out, complete with maps and trail signs. We hiked about 5 miles on trails 9, a portion of 11, and ended the loop with 10. Since we were on bluffs near the Missouri River we did have an ascent/descent of almost 800 feet providing a good workout. After some time on Trail 11 which was supposed to take us directly to the cave, swarms of mosquitos told my fearless leader that his troops wouldn't be encouraged, so we turned back and after finishing our hike drove a short distance to the cave. The trails were well kept and it was a pleasant, autumn hike. Especially once we crested the bluffs and were surrounded by the river on one side and leaf color on the other. The trees were probably just past peak color, but no complaints here. It was such a gift to have the time away from work, school and appointments on a weekday to enjoy this time in nature with my favorite people.