Hawn State Park

Introduction of Hawn State Park

Many visitors consider Hawn State Park to be the most beautiful of Missouri’s state parks, with its pine and oak forests, sandstone bluffs and canyons, and clear sand-bottom streams. The park’s many trails, picnic areas, and campground are ideal for visitors who want to enjoy nature’s splendour; it is truly a nature lover’s paradise.

The 4,953-acre park preserves some of the best viewing areas for Missouri’s diverse natural wonders. The 2,880-acre Whispering Pine Wild Area provides excellent opportunities for backpacking, bird watching, and nature study. The area, which is densely forested with pine, oak, and flowering dogwood trees, is home to a diverse range of plants, animals, and birds. Pickle Creek has been designated as a state natural area due to its high quality and pristine nature. It is also one of the few places in the state where visitors can see such a diverse range of exposed rock types.

Take a quiet lunch at one of the many picnic tables scattered across the sandy, pine-needle-covered forest floor. Hike along some of Missouri’s most scenic backcountry trails. Hawn State Park is the ideal setting for visitors looking to explore the Show-Me-unspoiled State’s natural beauty.

Hawn State Park Camping

Hawn State Park has both primitive and electric campsites. Reservable sites, a dump station, showers, water, and laundry are available during the season (April through October). The campground is open all year. On weekends, a two-night minimum stay is required for reservations.

Backpack camping is popular on the Whispering Pines Trail, which is widely regarded as one of the state’s best hiking and backpacking trails.

Hawn State Park Activities

Bird watching

The Whispering Pines Wild Area, which encompasses much of the park, provides excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking, bird watching, and nature study. Shortleaf pine, white oak, black oak, and flowering dogwood cover the majority of the wild area. Bird watchers come to the park to see the variety of birds. Visitors can hear pine warblers, chickadees, owls, and scarlet tanagers chirping and courting.

Hiking

The Whispering Pine Trail is one of several hiking trails in the park. This 10-mile trail is widely regarded as one of the best in the state for hiking and backpacking. The trail is divided into two loops: the north loop is about six miles long and the south loop is about four miles long. The trail allows for day hikes of varying lengths as well as longer backpacking trips. It winds through a lovely mixed hardwood and pine forest, home to a variety of wildlife including bobcats and wild turkeys. Extensive sandstone and granite exposures can be found along the banks of Pickle Creek and the River Aux Vases.Mosses and ferns add a luxurious touch to the moist overhangs found along the two streams. Whispering Pine Trail is accessible by turning left at the park entrance and proceeding to the picnic area, where parking is available. There is no water at the trailhead, but it is available at the park office or the campground.

Picnicking

Relax with an afternoon picnic at one of the 30 picnic areas nestled among the pines. For a fee, an open picnic shelter with a capacity of approximately 100 people can be reserved through the park office. If not reserved, the shelter is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. There are two outdoor barbecue grills and picnic tables at the shelter. The picnic area includes a playground.

Hawn State Park Location

Hawn State Park is located 60 miles south of St. Louis and 20 miles west of Ste. Genevieve. Take I-55 south to Exit 150 from south St. Louis. Exit onto Highway 32 and travel west for 11 miles to Highway 144. Turn left onto Highway 144 and drive 4 miles to the state park.

Hawn State Park is located 13 miles east of Farmington. Take Highway 32 east for 9 miles to Highway 144. Turn right onto Highway 144 and drive 4 miles to the state park.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available