Hawn State Park North and South Loops

This is a great hike. At ten miles for both the north and south loops, it can be done in a single day but can be also be broken into two days if you're not up to the task. Highlights include pickle creek with numerous pools to soak your feet or play in (beware the copperheads), the pine forests, and the scenic overlooks. I've included pictures of each in the below photo album. I prefer to head right after the bridge at the beginning of the trail and do the path in a counter clockwise fashion, beginning at pickle creek and finishing with the beautiful evans knob and pickle creek overlooks. The trail is generally well marked and easy to follow, although there was one point where the path crosses pickle creek and sharply curves that people tend to want to go straight rather than turn with the trail creating a short false trail that can fool the careless. This is one of my most highly recommended day hikes in southwest Missouri.

Lower Rock Creek

Last weekend, I took my first trip to Lower Rock Creek. While not the easiest hike to find, there are no signs to mark the turnoff or the trailhead, it is well worth the trouble of finding. The only indication that you're at the trailhead is an old metal gate. The hike difficulty itself can be either easy or moderate depending on how far you go up or down the creek. There is a good map on trails.com. One important note, shortly after getting on the trail it Y's. Make sure to go to the left. The trail to the creek is pretty well groomed and easy to follow. Once at the creek, though, you have to follow the creek or a thin trail that follows the creek on the side. The beauty and uniqueness makes this hike worth while but if you want an identifiable trailhead, trail maps, or real trail this may not be for you. Take a look at the gallery below for the beauty of lower rock creek.

Introduction

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Dustin and, as you've probably guessed, I enjoy hiking. Actually, I love hiking, adore hiking, and even depend on hiking to maintain my physical and mental health. My goal is to illustrate my favorite hikes, past and present. The heaviest concentration will be Missouri, since that is where I reside and generally hike. I try to get to other regions of the country several times per year, though, and will include these hikes as well. I also plan on discussing the equipment that I use and whether or not I'd recommend it for others.