Tanglevine, Hickory Ridge and Broken Ridge Loop

The Tanglevine, Hickory Ridge and Broken Ridge Loop is generally rated as easy. While the Tanglevine Trail segment is flat and very easy, the Broken Ridge Trail and parts of the Hickory Ridge Trail feature mild to moderate hills, including some climbs and descents into small valleys. It's suitable for most hikers.

Based on average hiking speeds, completing the entire 4.16 km (2.58 miles) loop typically takes around 1 hour and 8 minutes. This duration can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within the Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, including this loop. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The trails making up this loop are predominantly paved, offering an accessible surface. You'll encounter flat sections, mild to moderate hills, and bridges crossing small creeks. The environment is an oak-hickory forest.

The loop offers a pleasant 'walk in the woods' through an oak-hickory forest. You might spot wildlife such as deer, turkey, frogs, snakes, and various bird species. In spring, the trails are particularly known for their beautiful wildflowers.

Spring is highly recommended for this trail, as it's noted for its beautiful wildflowers. However, the paved surfaces make it accessible year-round. During or after rainfall, you might see small waterfalls and cascades.

Parking is available at the Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri, where the trail is located. There are no entrance fees or permits required to access the trails at the Nature Center.

Yes, the loop is very family-friendly, especially the Tanglevine Trail segment, which is flat and short. The paved surfaces make it accessible for strollers in many areas. The Tanglevine Trail also occasionally features a 'story book walk' with signs displaying pages of a book or clues about local wildlife, which can be engaging for children.

Yes, the Tanglevine Trail sometimes hosts a 'story book walk.' The Broken Ridge Trail features descents into small valleys with bridges over creeks. The full Hickory Ridge Trail runs alongside a clear, shallow creek with cascades and includes a low-water bridge. This system is also considered an 'urban oasis' due to its natural setting near busy interstates.

Yes, this loop utilizes sections of several official trails within the Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. You will be hiking along parts of the Hickory Ridge Loop, Hickory Ridge Trail, and Tanglevine Trail.

After rainfall, you might encounter small waterfalls and cascades, adding to the scenery. However, be aware that the low-water bridge on the full Hickory Ridge Trail might become impassable during periods of high water, so plan accordingly if heavy rains have occurred.