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Visitors Guide to
Located west of Ste. Genevieve off of Route 32, Hawn State Park is a pristine example of Missouri's eastern Ozark sandstone country. Located at the eastern edge of the St. Francois mountain range, this primitive park has some of the Missouri's most beautiful and significant landscapes. The 4,953 acre park is located in the LaMotte sandstone basin, an area of the state where exposures of sandstone create unusual landscapes. The acidic soil of the area supports lush upland forests of shortleaf pine, Missouri’s only native pine tree, and hardwood stands of white oak, shagbark hickory, and red maple. In the spring the flowering azalea and dogwood trees provide a spectacular show. A diverse selection of flora and fauna can be found in the park’s sandstone canyons and clear sand-bottom streams, many of which are unique to the area. The initial acreage of the park was donated in 1952 by Helen Coffer Hawn, a retired school teacher from nearby Ste. Genevieve.
Pickle Creek Trail is a 1 mile long trail that follows Pickle Creek, which is a shut-ins stream. The creek is one of the state’s most unique Ozark headwater streams having carved its course through the sandstone bedrock. In areas where the sandstone overhangs the stream, a cool climate exists and plants more common to climates farther north such as rattlesnake orchid, hay-scented fern, partridge berry, and ground pine can be found. There are over 20 different species of fish that can be found in the stream including the rare silverjaw minnow. Hikers are asked to stay on the trails to minimize the damage that can be done to the rare species of plants that can be found in the park.
Camping Hawn State Park offers basic and electric campsites. Services available include reservable sites, a dump station, showers, water and laundry. Campsites 1-9 are open year-round. Campsites 10-50 are open April through October; from November through March, campsites 10-50 are used only for overflow camping. For reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay on weekends from April through October and major holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15. For camping fees and additional information visit www.mostateparks.com/camprates.htm Visiting Hawn State Park
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Within
the park is the 2,880 acre Whispering Pine Wild Area. On windy days a
whispering sound can be heard as the breeze rustles through the shortleaf
pines. Two trails have been constructed in this area. The Whispering Pine
Trail was constructed in 1976-77 with the help of the Ozark Chapter of the
Sierra Club and is considered one of the best hiking and backpacking
trails in the state. Consisting of two loops, the north loop is 6 miles
long and the south loop is 4 miles long, the trail allows day hikes of
varying lengths. Because of its size the area provides excellent
opportunities to observe nature. While on the trail, watch for many
species of birds, especially tanagers and warblers. Wild turkeys,
white-tailed deer, raccoons, gray squirrels and owls can also be seen
along the trails.
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