State Parks and National Parks

Hawn State Park

Hawn State Park is a pristine example of Missouri's eastern Ozark sandstone country.

Located at the eastern edge of the St. Francois range, this primitive park is one of the state's most beautiful and significant landscapes. Its 4,952 acres include lush pine and hardwood stands, understoried with azalea and dogwood, punctuated by sandstone canyons and sandy streams.

Within the park are the 2,080-acre Whispering Pine Wild Area and the Pickle Creek Natural Area, both rich in unusual plant and animal species, as well as unusual geological phenomena.

There are 15.4 miles of hiking-only trails in the park. A mile-long trail parallels Pickle Creek. The Whispering Pine Trail contains two five-mile loops that can be hiked separately or combined. The White Oaks Trail is 4.4 miles.

Backpackers find three primitive group camping areas on that trail. Those in groups of six or fewer may camp anywhere along the trail, but certain conditions apply.

Fifty campsites are served by a host of conveniences, including laundry and dumping facilities.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.