Backpacking at Hawn State Park Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jun 7, 20251:00 PM (Central) Sun, Jun 8, 2025  12:00 PM  (Central)

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06/07/2025 1:00 PM 06/08/2025 12:00 PM America/Chicago
Backpacking at Hawn State Park

One-Night Backpacking at Hawn State Park with 5 miles the first day.

Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr #8121, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA

Webinar URL:

37.83084800,-90.22919200 Matthew Self self.matthew22@yahoo.com MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Eastern Missouri Group

Location: Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr #8121, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Matthew Self
   self.matthew22@yahoo.com
   (636) 212-0771


Estimated length of time for hike and distance: 5 miles the first day, 1.5 miles the second day

Place and Parking availability: Parking at the Whispering Pines Trailhead.  Only two cars per campsite are allowed so we will discuss carpooling to the park as a group.

Description of outing
We’ll hike the Whispering Pines Short Loop, which is 6.3 miles and has 900 feet of elevation gain.
 

Once we arrive, in the pavilion near the parking lot, we’ll do a gear check: we’ll review the backpacking checklist, item by item, and identify any missing items or needs.  Participants should also do this at home before coming on the trip.

From the Whispering Pines trailhead, we’ll hike clockwise to campsite 1, approximately 5 miles.  Sunset is at 8:30 PM so we’ll aim to be in camp by 5 PM to have plenty of time to set up camp and make dinner.  Therefore, we’ll hike at a 1.5-2 MPH pace.  In the morning, the group will depart the campsites together by 10 AM and hike 1.5 miles back to the trailhead.  

Group size is limited to 6 total, including the leader.  Each participant will be thoroughly screened by the leaders to determine the appropriateness of the outing for the participant.


Difficulty: Strenuous.

All participants must:
  1. Sign a Sierra Club Liability waiver.
  2. Provide the Outings Leader with a copy of their completed Medical Form. The leader will collect all medical forms, carry them with him, and return them at the end of the outing.

COVID vaccinations, including boosters, are strongly recommended.  Status will not be checked.  It is hoped unvaccinated people will wear a mask, but everyone is welcome to wear one if they are more comfortable doing so.  The leader will not be masked. Guns are prohibited.

Advice for appropriate water, food, and gear: Hikers will need at least two liters of water, dinner, breakfast, and any snacks that they would like.  Each hiker is responsible for their own food and water.  There will be a few stream crossings so be prepared with either: waterproof shoes/boots, water shoes, or extra socks.  A light source like a head lamp will be necessary in the evening and morning.

REI provides a comprehensive gear list for backpacking, but not all items are needed for this one night trip.  I’ve highlighted the essentials, but you should bring what you feel you need for comfort.  If you have any specific questions, please ask Matt.

Is there a bathroom/outhouse available at the location? At the trailhead.  On the trail, we’ll follow Leave No Trace principles and dig holes as needed.

Whispering Pines Trail Map

 

Level: Moderate

All Trails

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