Tall Timbers Trail

This multi-use trail is a dirt singletrack that is open to bikes and hikers. The trail follows along the wetlands swamp that is re-filled by spring water and passes through one of the largest and most diverse woodlands remaining along the Lower Meramec. You'll hike through huge swamp whites, burr, ash and other trees some of which are over 80 feet tall. The trees show water marks that attest to the continuous depth of the wetlands. You may also note that the trees have wider bases typical of trees growing in a flood prone area. Many of the low lying areas along the trail retain water after rain or after flood waters have receded. The trail is very flat and can stay saturated for some time. The extended flooding over the past couple of years has reduced the vigor of the prairie species and the herbaceous ground layer is not very well developed. There is an open field that has been planted with native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Native sedges, which are able to tolerate a greater flooding frequency, are gradually replacing the native prairie grasses. The trail is accessed off of the Meramec Greenway Trail near the Holzer Trailhead.