Hill Hiking at Long Ridge Conservation Area

Wildlife, ridge views, and forest combine to make Long Ridge Conservation Area a great hike in the woods not far from Interstate 44.

**The map on the information board shows where I began the hike and that I am doing the Blue Trail.**

North Loop

I first hiked the 2.5-mile north loop. Marked as the Blue Trail on the conservation map.

The trailhead is from the fourth parking lot off Ridge Road and is gravel with plenty of space.

I started the hike by going to the right near the information box. Here I walked on an old gravel road so it was easy. I managed to scare two large deer rushing off deep into the forest.

The trail begins to bend to the left with views of distant hills through the trees.

Then I descended down four switchbacks to a valley. Here I crossed a small creek that was dry.

After crossing the creek, the trail goes immediately back up along a ridge.

Once back up on the high ground, it was an easy walk to where the trail intersects with the 2.5-mile Yellow Trail or Connector Trail to the South Loop Trail that is listed on the map.

I came out of the woods back to the trailhead at the other end of the parking lot.

I am hiking here in two parts from two lots instead of doing a much longer hike using the Connector Trail.

South Loop Trail

I parked at the second lot along Ridge Road just south of Missouri Highway AF/ Luechtefield Road.

The South Loop Trail combines part of the 1.9 Green Trail and 1.9 Red Trail to form a 3.7-mile loop.

This time I started the hike by going to the left and walking along a high ridge. Views include surrounding hills and deep forest ravines.

Next, I crossed a dry creekbed filled with rocks and small plants.

As I headed further back into the hills the land includes rock outcroppings.

Green Trail

Then I came to a wooden sign that marked where the Green Trail goes back to the trailhead, but I am doing the full loop using the Red Trail.

Going Further Back

The trail from here is narrower and now foliage begins to fill the space. Hearing a rattle in the leaves I wondered if there was a rattlesnake I just passed. I was brave enough to turn around and take a closer look but didn’t see it.

Enjoying the silence, I took some time to take photos of flowers along the trail.

The trail goes through some fields so it can be a bit overgrown in this area.

Checking out the Connector Trail

Next, I came to the 2.4-mile Yellow or Connector Trail from the south. I walked down it a bit to see if it crosses a creek below but only came to a low spot. In the future, I might do just the connector trail another day since that would be a 4.8-mile hike itself.

Going Back Up

After passing this trail, I headed back up on the ridge. It even becomes wider here as it seems to follow an old gravel road. This is an easy wide hike back to the trailhead.

Total Hike

I clocked in at 6.7 miles on my phone with my extra walking checking out other areas along the trail system, so it was definitely a full afternoon of hiking here!

Final Thoughts

This trail provides for moderate hiking with some up and downhill areas but mostly wide trails. Also, since it is not a busy trail, I had a chance to come across wildlife such as deer and the possible snake?

NOTE: If you want to do a really long hike you can combine the north area, south area, and the connector trail together to go 9 miles.

Overview of Long Ridge Conservation Area

Long Ridge Conservation Area has 1,813 acres and is located six miles north of Sullivan, Mo., on AF when it becomes Ridge Road. The land here is a mix of savanna, forest, ridges, and hollows with food plots for wildlife. Named for Long Ridge School was once in the area.

*A blue trail marker along the first loop*

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 out of St. Louis to exit 230 and make a right into Highway JJ and take this to Acid Mine Road and make a left onto this road. Then shortly make a right onto Highway AF that ends at Ridge Road. Parking for the South Loop is a left onto Ridge Road and is the second lot you come to. Parking for the North Loop is a right and is the second parking lot you come to.

Hours: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Address: Sullivan, MO 63080