Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center has paved trails for families to explore the woods crossing wooden bridges over small rocky brooks and streams.
It also has an educational component that helps children learn about the environment with interpretive signs that can be found as you walk in the area.
Broken Ridge Trail on a Spring Day
This 2/3 mile trail is along the back north end of the nature center parking and is one I did during early spring with my son, Andrew.
Where to Go
The path diverged two ways, “Which way do you want to go?”
Andrew said, “To the left.” So we headed in that direction.
We walked to a bridge over a small creek in which water flowed over rocks and limestone.
The trees were not green yet, but the flowers were starting to bud with the warmth of spring.
Identifying Trees
I noticed that some of the trees were marked.
We came across a Northern Red Oak.
“Andrew, from this tree you can roast the acorns and eat them,” I said to him.
“Dad there is another tree with a sign,” he said up ahead pointing to it.
“This tree is the sugar maple. You know how you like maple syrup.”
“Yes,”
“Well, this tree supplies that.”
“How.”
“They tap into it and put out a bucket and the sap or what becomes syrup is taken out of the tree.”
Then we came to the end of the trail having learned some about what the trees can provide us.
Hickory Ridge Trail in the Fall
This is a 1 1/5 loop trail that can be cut in half by a connector trail in the middle.
It goes through hills and down through hollows and has brooks and a creek.
This is my favorite hike in this conservation area. I love to go here in the fall, especially when the leaves are changing and after a rain when the water is flowing in the small brooks throughout the area.
Starting the Trail
The trailhead begins at the back of the parking lot. I headed across a pedestrian bridge high above the main road going into the conservation area.
Into the Valley
Next, I went along a ridge until I descended into a valley where I crossed back and forth across streams. Since it had rained recently the small creek was flowing. It was filled with leaves as it was late October.
The trees here were all different colors, orange, reds, and lime green. Leaves of bushes were yellow and close to falling as many had already succumbed to fall.
Water flowed across rocks and granite bottoms. I stopped a moment to admire the view.
Then I made my way up along the hills crossing another small brook that cascaded down rocks below the bridge.
I walked one last time up into the hillsides to make the loop.
Tanglevine Learning Trail
The Tanglevine Trailhead also starts at the south end of the park and is a short one at 1/3 mile long.
It begins near a shelter that has a restroom and a drink machine. This trail is level and wheelchair-accessible.
Here there are many interpretive exhibits such as “Backyard Waste or Backyard Habitat?,” “Know Your Vines” or “A Café In Your Backyard” to name a few.
This trail can easily be done with kids of any age and helps them learn about the natural environment.
Final Thoughts on Trails
Powder Valley Conservation Area has a lot to offer families who want to be out in nature near the city. I also like that the trails have information signs that help kids learn about the natural world.
Powder Valley Nature Center
The Nature Center on the grounds is partially closed due to Covid-19.
Powder Valley’s Front Desk and Nature Shop are open for gift shop sales and permit services. Where the exhibits are located is closed until further notice.
NOTE: Pets are not allowed on the grounds of the nature center.
DETAILS:
Drive: Take Exit 227b off Interstate 44 heading south on Kirkwood Road then take the first right onto Watson Road then another right onto Geyer Road and once you cross Interstate 44 make a left onto Cragwold Road until you see the sign for the nature center. If you cross over Interstate 270 you have gone too far.
Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Daily — Grounds and 8 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday — Building Hours.
Admission: Free
Address: 11715 Cragwold Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122
More Trails Nearby
Dad Hikes: Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park in West County St. Louis is the only place where you are guaranteed to see elk or bison in a gated park. Here you can hike the four-mile earthen and rock White Bison Trail in the elk section or you can see the wildlife by driving through the park on a mostly one-lane road.
Dad Hikes: Spending the Day At Castlewood State Park
Cliffside walks along the Meramec River and wading in Kiefer Creek were part of our day at Castlewood State Park.
This park has an interesting past and is known for its trail along the Meramec River and especially the cliffs at the top.
Dad Hikes: Rockwood Reservation
Hiking in Rockwoods Reservation you come across caves, old mines, and a spring. In this 1,880- acre conservation area just outside of St. Louis, you can hike a number of different trails through forest, grassland, and hills.
Dad Hikes: Alone in the Woods at Rockwoods Range
Rockwoods Range Conservation Area is a wooded area in St. Louis West County that is not as busy as the other nearby parks so if you want a hike close to St. Louis alone then this is the trail for you.
Hiking Fox Creek Spur Loop at Rockwoods Range
On a spring day, I did about a 3.2-mile hike combining parts of four trails for a loop at Rockwoods Range Conservation Area. This hike includes an uphill hike and then downhill following a brook with small waterfalls and green lichen rock.
Dad Hikes — Many times I will do these hikes alone to learn the lay of the land before we do it as a family. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!
