Missouri State Parks
With Wandering Wednesdays here and the temps in the 60’s, we plotted our path to a Missouri State Park. Hawn State Park was our plan so we grabbed our jackets and headed south toward Farmington.
Hawn was a vision of a rural Ste. Genevieve school teacher, Helen Coffer Hawn, who in 1952 donated 1,500 acres of the total 5,000 acre park located in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri.
Hiking Trails In Missouri
Our park brochure showed trails from 0.06 to 10 miles. It boasted of “sandy-bottom streams and sandstone canyons and cliffs”. Wanting to experience its beauty firsthand we took the shortest hike to Overlook Trail. The trees and brush had grown so high we couldn’t see very far.
The ten minute trail ran down through the beautiful towering short-leaf pines and oak trees. Some of the pines circumferences were quite large. We learned these trees were Missouri’s only native pines. The wind blew at quite a clip and we could hear the whisper of the pines surrounding us. It was beautiful.
Camping in Missouri
We drove through the parks campground which was in a cute little valley with Pickle Creek running alongside and large bluffs as a backdrop. Several campers were already set up for the day.
The campground had full electrical hookups for large campers, as well as, a primitive walk-in area for those that love to rough it in nature. Picnic areas were quite abundant with a few shelters also available.
The park offered over 14 miles of trails and maps were available at the ranger station at the front of the park. We wanted to experience a small portion of the park, so we chose Pickle Creek Trail, a 1.5 mile round trip.
We parked at the trailhead and headed toward the woods on a well manicured trail. I had hoped this up-close and personal experience would be an easy hike. Boy was I wrong.
The trail traveled parallel to Pickle Creek. We experienced all types of terrain: sand, gravel rocks roots, mud and boulders. If I were to describe the trail in one word it would be rugged, not strenuous, but rugged. I was glad I had my walking stick to pick my way along the edge of the creek.
As the trail meandered through the park it never left sight of Pickle Creek. The clear, shallow water bubbled along over rocks and boulders, tumbling down small waterfalls. The leaves were still green. We were just a little too early for the fall colors. It wouldn’t be too long before we would begin to see the season make a drastic change right before our eyes.
Rugged Trail
The trail was rugged, but very doable. Be sure to pack a hiking stick for the rough patches and have fun.
Hawn State Park, with it’s peaceful setting and its scenic views was a wonderful place to relax, camp, hike, picnic and just enjoy the beauty it offered. Grab a walking stick or a lawn chair along with a friend and head to the park.
Happy Wandering!
