White Oaks Trail Guide

White Oaks Trail, located at Hawn State Park near New Offenburg in Missouri, is a great trail where you should go hiking.

This is a lollipop loop trail that is moderately difficult with some creek crossings and rolling hills. The trail is 4.2 miles in length. There is an elevation gain of around 420 feet with gradual rolling hills.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking the White Oaks Trail at Hawn State Park in Missouri.

Information and History About the White Oaks Trail

The White Oaks Trail is a part of Hawn State Park near New Offenburg in Missouri. The park is named after Helen Coffer Hswn, a school teacher who owned and willed the first 1,500 acres to the state of Missouri. The state acquired the land from her in 1952, but Helen started acquiring parcels of the land in the 1930s for the purpose of creating a park.

Hawn State Park today is a popular area for many forms of outdoor recreation. There are hiking trails, picnicking, camping, and fishing. There are numerous trails to hike within the park, including the White Oaks Trail, which this guide is centered around.

For more information about Hawn State Park, please visit their official website.

How to Reach the White Oaks Trail

Getting to the White Oaks Trail is easy, but the trail isn’t located near most of the other trails. Go to this Google Maps Link and input your starting location to reach the parking lot for the White Oaks Trail. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead.

The roads to this trail are all paved. Most of them are backcountry roads once you start getting close to the park. Be cautious of deer and other wildlife crossing the road when you do come visit.

Do note that during unusual conditions, the roads could be impassable. During flash flooding, some creeks could flood portions of the roads to the park. In the winter months, snow and ice treatment may not be a priority in the state park area.

What You’ll See at the White Oaks Trail

Hiking the White Oaks Trail is more than just a simple walk in the woods.

There are some pretty creeks you will be able to cross. The creeks are not too big, but if there is a lot of water in them, you might have to use caution when crossing them. The creeks are windy and rocky, which makes them look very scenic.

There is a little bit of bluffage along this trail. In the area where bluffs are, you can also enjoy smaller natural shelters and even a little scenic overlook of the forest around you. Use caution around the bluffs as the trail has some uneven rocks on them.

The trail is still a nice walk through the woods for the most part. You can enjoy seeing glade-like hillsides and boulder fields. It really is a pretty hike that I recommend everyone hike at least once.

The trails are marked counterclockwise and here is a map of the trail. Follow the orange markers to stay on the White Oaks Trail. There are some junctions that go to other trails and areas, but will not bring you back to White Oaks without you turning around and walking back.

Special Guidelines and Safety Information

Please make sure you abide by the rules at Hawn State Park when hiking the White Oaks Trail.

1. This trail is for day-use only.
2. No camping or overnight hiking is allowed.
3. This trail is for hikers only.
4. Bicycles, motor vehicles, and horses are prohibited.
5. Stay on the designated trail at all times.
6. Pack out what you pack in.
7. Campfires are not allowed on the trail.
8. Cutting natural resources is not allowed on the trail.

Please make sure you practice basic common-sense safety practices when hiking this trail. Stay on the designated trail at all times and watch your step. If you encounter wildlife, give them plenty of room to pass and move around them.

Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Sightseeing Nearby

There is lodging nearby to this trail. You can find cabins, camping, and Airbnb homes. Hawn State Park offers basic, electric, backpacking, and special use camping within the park.

There are plenty of dining and shopping options available in nearby Farmington.

Hawn State Park has numerous other trails to hike, including the Overlook, Pickle Creek, Spanish Land Grant, and Whispering Pine trails. Some of these trails offer backpacking options. Enjoy picnic, shelters, and playgrounds, also located within this state park.

Remember, when visiting this area, try to support local businesses by shopping, dining, and lodging at local mom and pop establishments because you’ll help the community while getting a much better experience.

Final Advice About the White Oaks Hiking Trail

My wife and I really enjoyed the White Oaks Trail at Hawn State Park. When we went, it was in the middle of summer and really hot. I imagine winter is one of the best times to hike this trail because you can see everything better.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

Watch the videos for this trail!

Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area.

Check out the trail gallery!

Enjoy these photos taken around this area!

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Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!