Brentwood: Oak Trail and Other Hidden Trails

Brentwood, MO, features the Oak Trail Loop, which partially follows Black Creek, and other trails that are interwoven among suburban neighborhoods.

I hiked 3.8 miles using a combination of trails, roads, and sidewalks.

*The map helps explain the different trails and loops.*

Starting the Hike

My hike begins from the parking lot at Oak Tree Park. I will primarily be walking the 2.2-mile Oak Trail Loop, which includes paved trails, sidewalks, and street connections.

Next, I walked along a paved path into the park, which featured a playground designed with a treehouse theme.

My son would enjoy checking it out if he were with me. Maybe next time I’m here, I’ll bring him along. As I hiked, I noticed several small playgrounds along the way.

Along Black Creek

Black Creek is visible below large rocks as you walk along the trail. (This part of the hike includes Oak Trail loop/ .75 Dogwood Trail)

The trail features clear signage to assist with navigation. You will also notice signs for the various parks along the route.

The bushes along the path featured some black berries nestled among purple branches.

As the trail approaches a bridge over Black Creek, it enters a forest, creating a feeling of being farther away from civilization than one actually is.

At the bridge, I looked down into the water flowing through bedrock.

The water is clear, but unfortunately, the creek is part of the stormwater system and is unsafe for swimming or wading.

Now the trail goes through Hanley and Memorial Parks.

I walked past a dog park featuring a teeter-totter and a yellow and blue ramp. A white sand volleyball court looked inviting if I were here with a big group of friends.

I passed by an outdoor hockey rink and crossed Black Creek near Strassner Road.

After the bridge, I came to a blue metal sculpture swirling against a backdrop of green trees.

Pond Walk

At the end of the parking area for Memorial Park, I began an out-and-back hike, and I went left out onto a sidewalk along Strassner Drive. I continued walking westward, and Strassner became Wrenwood after its intersection with South Brentwood Boulevard.

I enjoy the small lake here, with its water fountains and wooden gazebo in the middle.

This is a 0.8-mile out-and-back hike from Memorial Park, where I will rejoin the Oak Trail loop.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a snack, a St. Louis Bread Co. is nearby, and further up in the same shopping center is an REI in case you forgot anything for the hike.

Back at Memorial Park

I walked through the park along a path by the creek, passing playgrounds and a shelter.

Before I crossed the creek, I passed a dirt path with stepping stones that led up into the hills. I believe this connects to a nearby neighborhood. If I had more time or returned, I would explore it.

Maple Trail

Instead of heading back to Oak Tree Park, I take the 1-mile Maple Trail, part of the Oak Trail loop. It starts going up and down along Swim Club Lane, passing by the Brentwood Swim and Tennis Club on the left.

Then the trail turns left onto Rosalie Avenue and continues south along Mary Avenue.

Next, I pass by Broughton Park, which has a playground and a shelter, before crossing Eulalie Avenue.

The trail veers to the right of Dorothy Avenue. At Litzsinger Road, you can walk left along a sidewalk to continue on the Oak Trail.

*Along the Maple Trail, going towards Brentwood Park* and the tunnel under Manchester.

**The trail heading into Brentwood Park — I discuss this further in a blog post about the park.**

I am continuing on the Maple Trail as an out-and-back 0.8-mile section. This walk will take me by many homes and an apartment complex.

*Photo from Brentwood Park looking north to the Maple Trail before it goes under Manchester to the left.*

Then, this trail goes under Manchester Road and enters Brentwood Park. I discussed this park further in a previous blog.

I walked back and noticed a cement drainage top painted with a blue background and an orange fish with its mouth open, staring at me. It’s exciting to discover unexpected places while walking.

After Litzsinger

Back at Litzsinger, I head right down it on a sidewalk. The street ends, and I see a cement path between houses, and this is a cool little path to follow.

As I descend, the path splits. I could return to Oak Tree Park Trail and the parking lot, but chose to explore a neighborhood instead.

In the Streets

This hike section involves walking down Louis Avenue, which lacks a sidewalk. It is not a busy road, but it is different from my usual hiking.

Prepare for an uphill walk to Florence Avenue, then turn left onto Oak Tree Park to reach my car.

Final Thoughts

This urban park weaves through neighborhoods, featuring wooded areas and following a creek. This fits the bill for a chance to do some hiking near the city center or after some shopping. The only path I did not take was the Red Bud Trail that connects Maple Trail to Dogwood Trail and also be done as a 1.3 mile loop.

DETAILS

Drive: Take exit 31 to head south on South Hanley Road. Then, make a left turn onto Manchester Road, followed by a right turn onto Porter Avenue. After the curve, look for parking for Oak Tree Park, which gives access to the trail.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 8121 Florence Ave, St. Louis, MO 63144