The actual loop portion of this hike is 4.8 miles long. If you are a purist and wish to begin this hike at 16th Street and the Canal, it is 1.25 miles from there to the loop portion of the hike. From the end of Myrtle Avenue, it is about 0.5 miles to the loop. Another good starting point to access the loop is from the end of 22nd Street - north of Glendale Avenue. Distance to the loop from the end of 22nd Street is negligible.
Parking there is also on the street.