Pickle Creek Trail
Hawn State Park Hiking Trails

Overlook Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: ¼ mile
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Leading to a small overlook of Pickle Creek valley, this short trail has views of some of the oak and pine covered hills found within the park. Along the trail, you will find interpretations about the woodlands of this region, as well as information about the Lamotte Sandstone that forms the area's canyons and bluffs.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Spring, Fall

Pickle Creek Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 1 mile One-Way
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Time: ½ hour - 1 hour
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • Beginning at the picnic area, this trail follows Pickle Creek through its entire length, ending where the Wispering Pine trail crosses the creek near the waterfall area. Along this trail, hikers will see how the creek has carved its way through the sandstone, resulting in a clear, sand bottom creek strewn with boulders and surrounded by bluffs. Hikers can either return back the same way, or follow a portion of the Wispering Pine trail back, creating a two mile loop.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Picnic Area
  • Trail Markings: Green Blazes
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Spring, Fall

Whispering Pines Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking, Backpacking
  • Length: 10 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
  • Time: 5 hours - Overnight
  • Requirements: Backpackers need to register at trailhead before proceeding
    Description
  • Constructed in the mid-70s with help from the Ozark Chapter of the Sierra Club, this trail is considered one of the best hiking and backpacking trails in the state. Two loops come together to create this trail; the north loop is six miles long, and the south loop is four miles long. This provides for the option of shorter day hikes, or a longer overnight backpacking trip. Three designated backpacking campsites are located along the trail. The trail passes along the banks of Pickle Creek and the River Aux Vases. Water is not avaialble along the trail, nor located at the trailhead, and should be carried along.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: Allowed in designated campsites for backpackers
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s):
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Spring, Fall

White Oaks Trail

    The Basics
  • Type: Hiking
  • Length: 4.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Time: 3 - 5 hours
  • Requirements: None
    Description
  • This trail begins near the park's entrance, and crosses several wet-weather creeks. It offers great views from many different sandstone outcrops. Mixed pine and hardwood forests that the trail passes thru are home to deer, turkey, and owls, among many others. This a day-use only trail; no overnight camping allowed.
    Additional Info
  • Camping: No
  • Water: No water on trail
  • Trail Head(s): Near Park Entrance
  • Trail Markings:
  • Pets Allowed:
  • Recommended Season: Spring, Fall