Prep Hike #5 is at Hawn Whispering Pines North and South Loop Trail

The trail meanders through a beautiful mixed hardwood and pine forest, with extensive exposures of sandstone and granite that can be explored along the banks of Pickle Creek.

Sunday 1/26/2025 Start hike at 8am

Meet @: The Whispering Pines Trail is located in Hawn State Park
1:30 hour drive from O'Fallon, IL to Trailhead

Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9kHA12tcktNsnG5Q7

Carpool from Studio Strong O'Fallon IL: meet by 6:15am, leave at 6:30am

Trail Map: https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/trail_maps/hawn_whisperingpines.pdf

12 mile jaunt along the scenic the outer loop (Est 5 Hours)

Rain, Snow (well depends), or Shine!

Be sure to bring snacks and lots o'water!
 

Wavier forms are required for each participant. (only need to complete once each season)

Cancel after RSVP? Text 314-258-2000.

 The minimum age is 18 to participate.

A $15 Participant Fee is required before the registered hike. Payment is requested via Venmo. $5 of the fee goes to the carpool driver.  $5 of the fee goes to the supply fund. $5 gets returned to you when you complete the hike. Fees are not returned for late arrivals and no-shows.

The cost of the final hike will be determined closer to the final hike date.

Venmo - Please Read

Venmo is a person to person no fee funds transfer service.

Why do we have this? In the past we had no shows which we waited on. This delayed our start times and then the event ended up being longer than anticipated. With this we are looking to ensure commitment.

If no fee is paid, we will not consider you an active participant of this event. Meaning we will not contact you about event changes and will depart destinations without contacting you.

By paying the $15 fee you are committing to going to this event. Additionally, you understand that arriving late or not arriving at all, you will forfeit all fees paid.

How to install

1) Download one of our mobile apps: iOS & Android (Venmo does not have a Windows app)
2) Open the Venmo app
3) Choose your sign up method and create a secure password (between 8 and 32 characters long).
4) Verify your phone number and email address
5) Add and verify your bank account

Pay $15 via Venmo to @Dave-Prouhet Add note "Hike 2023"

Suggested Gear to Bring and Optional Items

Equipment

• Day Pack
• Small First Aid (+Foot Aid Supplies)
• Compass/GPS (Cell Phone in waterproof bag)
• Food/Snack
• At Least a Liter of Water (Suggest: Smart Water Liter Bottle)
• Whistle
• TP (Toilet Paper - Trees provided at no extra charge)

Clothes

• Layers (Suggest: Moisture Wicking Clothing plus Shell)
• Socks (Suggest: Smart Wool/Dry Fit)
• Boots/Trail Shoes

 

Optional

• Trash Bag (Keep things in pack dry)
• Sunscreen/Lip Balm/Sun Glasses
• Trekking Pole(s)
• Headlamp (longer trips)
• Reflective Blanket (Emergency)
• Rain Gear
• Hat
• Gloves
• ACE Bandage