4-6 Dec, 2026 @ 7:00 AM: Frozen Chosin Challenge (40-Mile, 3-day 2-night mandatory bivouac)

5-6 Dec, 2026 @ 7:00 AM: Devil Dog Challenge Course (17-Mile, 2-day 1-night mandatory bivouac)

6 Dec, 2026 @ 10:00 AM: Warrior Challenge Course (4-mile, Handicap Accessible, same day)

Each “Challenge” has its own unique difficulties. Choose the Challenge best suited to your abilities. Check out the different challenges here: https://mokoreanwarmemorial.org/frozen-chosin-challenge/

Yes, as long as the team and all individuals of that team have all registered.

Water is available along the trail via rivers and streams at the campground spigots and within the Black River Center and Store. Ensure you carry water purification means. There will be safety stations disbursed along the route. Six Safety Stations along Chosin Challenge, three along Devil Dog Challenge and one along Warrior Course.

No, there are no portable toilets along the Chosin or the Devil Dog Challenge. The starting line has Vault Toilets and Porta Potties. The finish line has Porta Potties, Vault Toilets and permanent facilities a short walk away within the Black River Center.  The Warrior Course has 2 Vault Toilets along its course and permanent facilities a short walk away within the Black River Center. We do suggest that you bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and/or baby wipes.

Recommend you bring your own food. However a variety of food and beverage options are planned to be available for purchase at Johnson Shut-In’s State Park store.

Chosin and Devil Dog Challenges: NO, due to the rugged nature of the course, security measures and accountability for participant’s spectators are not allowed on the route. The safest and most comfortable place for spectators is at either the start or finish line. Warrior Course: YES, spectators are encouraged along the course.

Minimum age to participate is 15 years old providing the individual is registered and hiking/rucking with a parent/guardian or a member of the family who is 18 years or older. (MUST be with parent/guardian at all times when on the route).

• Chosin and Devil Dog Courses – No. This includes baby carriers, bicycles, jogging strollers and baby strollers.
• Warrior Challenge Course – Yes

• Yes, in accordance with Missouri State Parks Regulations.
• Chosin, Devil Dog, Warrior Courses- Must be on leash at all times and owners responsible for doggie poop pickup, don’t make another hiker walk through it.

• Frozen Chosin Challenge: must be off the route by 3:00 p.m., Sunday Dec. 6th
• Devil Dog Challenge Course: must be off the route by 3:00 p.m., Sunday Dec. 6th
• Warrior Challenge Course: must be off the route by 2:00 p.m., Sunday Dec. 6th

Refunds will NOT be given once registered. This is a snow, ice, rain or shine event. Specific situations such as military deployment or medical emergencies will be taken into consideration. However, the individual must contact us directly at info@mokoreanwarmemorial.org.

Register here: https://mokoreanwarmemorial.org/frozen-chosin-challenge/

• Teams will consist of a minimum of 2 members, maximum of 5. No exceptions. All participants must arrive as part of a team; the Frozen Chosin Challenge staff will NOT be able to help you build a team.
• All Teams must trek single file for the first two miles of the Challenge.
• Team leaders will check in/out for start and along route as required.
• The Warrior Course allows individual participation and also has a family option.

• No, only one member need pick up the packets for the entire team. When he/she picks up the packets for the entire team, please make sure the rest of the team is aware, so as not to create confusion by them coming in later and asking for their packets. If the team’s packet has not been picked up prior to start the SWAG will be available at the finish line.

Many hikers make the mistake of not packing the  right amount of gear. And often, because of that mistake, they have a bad experience. Avoid a bad hiking experience by packing the right gear.

• Get a backpack made for hiking.These will have support systems and pockets made for wearing long-distance and holding gear. Understand the capacity of your pack (typically in liters), and don’t overpack.
• Take navigation with you. This includes smartphone apps like All Trails or Avenza, maps, a compass, and even a GPS unit.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Your heaviest item should be water. Bring extra food and snacks with you, too. Bring a water filter but make sure it works before using it.
• Extra layers.This is especially important when hiking in cold weather if you need more warmth. Layers can also include rain gear and camp shoes.
• Sun protection. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock lotion. It’s important to keep yourself safe while in the sun, even if you’re mainly in the woods.
• First Aid Kit. Bring a small first aid kit. You don’t need a surgery bag, but the basics and stuff you know how to use are important to carry.
• Bring a headlamp with you even if you plan to leave the woods before dark. You never know what could happen. Bring extra batteries, too.
• If you become disabled or lost, you can use a whistle to call for help. It takes more energy away from you to scream for help than to blow a whistle.
• Multi-Use Tool. A multi-use tool with a knife can be used for many things. You can use it to cut wood for a fire, fix gear, or even for some first aid needs.
• Insect Repellent. Make sure you treat your clothing, boots, and gear with an anti-tick solution such as permethrin. Bring DEET-based (or lemongrass) insect repellent to help keep the biting bugs off you (The Blacklegged ticks activity decreases only when temperatures start dropping below 35 degrees F. or the ground is covered in snow. They quickly recover when temperatures start warming up. To actually kill ticks, the freezing temperatures must be a sustained number of days below 10 degrees F.).
• Personal medication. Make sure you bring any personal medication you might need. If you have allergies and may need an Epi-pen, bring one with you, just in case.
• Trekking Poles. If you need stabilization or balancing support while hiking, you might want to  invest in some trekking poles or walking stick.

According to REI (https://www.rei.com/learn/c/hiking) some of the most asked hiking questions are geared toward hiking safety, which is good. There are some common hiking safety tips that you need to know before starting any hike.

• Plan and research your hike. This should be done before your hike. Know what you’re getting yourself into before you start.
• Don’t hike alone. Try to hike with a friend, family member, or a hiking group. If something happens to you and you can’t hike anymore, having someone with you can be a lifesaver.
• Stay on the designated trail. Don’t hike off the designated trail. Most safety hazards occur when hikers leave the designated trail.
• Hydrate and fuel. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat a snack while hiking on the trail. Dehydration is nothing to play with.
• Pace yourself and take a break. Don’t get in a hurry. It’s not a race. Try to take a break every now and then, especially when you’re starting to get tired and hot.
• Watch your step. Most hazards can be avoided when you simply watch your step. Watching your step can prevent you from falling or stepping on a venomous snake.
• Understand the wildlife in the area. Be bear aware if there are bears and carry bear spray. If there are venomous snakes, be aware of them and watch where you step and put your hand.
• Tell someone where you’re going. Designate someone as the safety person to report you missing if you don’t come home. Tell them exactly where you plan to go. The information will be vital to rescuers.
• And the most important tip is to use common sense because it’ll go a long way to keep you safe while you are hiking.

• Planning a hiking trip can help you get the most out of it and enjoy it.
• You should always check the weather before you go for a hike and dress appropriately. –Never hike during extreme weather conditions such as wildfire danger, severe weather, or blizzard conditions.
• Check trail reviews and see what others think about the trail. Their feedback can help you better prepare for the hike.
• Download an app like “All Trails” or a map so you can keep on the trail. Be mindful that cell phone signals may not work.
• Try to check how rugged the hike is, if there are any water crossings, and what kind of elevation gain you’ll be getting. The more elevation will mean the hillier it will be.
• Check Missouri State Parks (https://mostateparks.com/) clubs, associations (https://ozarktrail.com/) and official websites for trail information, safety tips, and user guidelines.

• Try to take  a map reading class or research it online. That alone will help you hike more than anything else.
• Most trails have colored or numbered blazes (trail signs). Make sure you know the blaze you need to follow and watch out for them along the trail. You should especially watch for them at junctions or trail intersections.
• Try to remember things you see along the trail in case you need to backtrack.
• How To Deal with Wildlife Encounters on The Trail?
• The best way to deal with wildlife is to give it plenty of space and let it pass or walk around it, giving it plenty of space.
• Never approach or try to handle any wildlife.
• Always pay attention to the trail, your surroundings, and where you step to avoid most negative wildlife encounters.

• One of the most asked hiking questions is about how to treat blisters that form while on the trail.
• Preventive measures like taking moleskin with you can help you treat blisters. You can also use a Band-Aid or even a piece of duct tape if that’s all you have. You just need to cover the blisters to stop fabric (shoes and socks) from rubbing on it bare and making it worse.
• If you have new hiking boots or shoes, you should break them in before doing a longer hike; otherwise, you’ll likely get blisters from them.
• Once you’re done hiking, clean the blister area (don’t try to lance or pop it) and keep it covered with a band-aid until it heals.

• It’s important to Leave No Trace (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/leave-no-trace.html) because it keeps natural elements as natural as possible.
• It is also important for the wildlife that depends on it to live.
• Staying on the trail can help you Leave No Trace because you’re not damaging ecosystems like you would if you went off trail.
• Don’t collect anything in along the trail or in Nature Preserves. They’re meant to stay exactly how they are.
• Pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave anything behind, only footprints.
• Try not to make fires, but if you do, ensure they’re cold to touch before leaving. Only you can prevent wildfires.
• Leave an area you hike into better than you found it. If there is trash from someone else, be the better person and carry it out.

• For the Frozen Chosin trail difficulties are identified as Easy, Difficult and Rigorous.
• Easy trails (Warrior Course) are usually mostly flat and very easy to follow. They have shorter distances and very little elevation gain. Most easy trails have many artificial controls in place to make the trail easier for everyone of all ages and difficulties.
• Difficult trails (Devil Dog Challenge) have steeper sections and uneven terrain. You’ll likely encounter hills and longer-distance hikes with water crossings. Difficult trails tend to require more navigation skills than easier trails.
• Rigorous trails (Chosin Challenge) are harder to hike. They typically include very steep ridges, rolling hills and even mountainous terrains. They are often hard to follow without understanding navigation skills and you might even have to cross a creek or river along the trail.
• It’s best to start out with an easy trail and work your way up to harder ones as you develop more hiking fitness and navigational skills.

• You should always dress for the elements.
• Wear clothing that is comfortable for the outdoors. This could be hiking-specific clothing like convertible pants, dry-fit shorts, and flannels. Or you might choose athletic clothing like yoga pants or compression clothing. Just make sure you’re dressing for the elements.
• Layer up when it’s cold to shed layers if you begin to get hot. Sweating in the cold is not good.
• Avoid cotton, denim, and anything that can’t breathe, like leather. This will hold moisture in and make your hike very uncomfortable.
• Wear appropriate hiking footwear and socks.
• Bring gloves or mittens for those cold days and nights.

• You should first bring plenty of water  and a water filter just in case you need it.
• Try to drink a few drinks of water every half hour. It’s also a good idea to take a few bites of your snack too. This will help you stay hydrated and fueled for the remainder of your hike.
• Invest in some good electrolytes to add to your water on warmer days and also on colder days when you work up a sweat from hard hiking. As you sweat, you lose natural sodium, and that can cause you to become weak, tire, and dehydrate sooner. Electrolytes will help put sodium back into your body.
• Always bring more food and water than you’ll need. This way, if something happens, you’ll be prepared.

• Trail etiquette is important to know and follow.
• Always respect nature and wildlife. Don’t ever damage or destroy nature, including graffiti and carving on trees. Don’t stack rocks.
• Pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for discarding your trash, not someone else.
• Yield to equestrians and uphill hikers. Communicate with them and let them comfortably pass while you step back and allow them to take control of the trail.
• Share the trail with others, including other hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
• Earphones only! Don’t play loud music on the trail. Not everyone wants to hear your music. Some people are there for nature.
• Watch your children and pets. Keep pets on a leash – it’s the law in most areas.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Be prepared and have a plan B, just in case. Abide by trail closures and permit systems.
• Educate yourself, use common sense, and always put safety first.
• Carry extra Band-Aids and a basic first aid kit with aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., someone may be running low and you can help.

• Plan Ahead. Extreme weather often calls for serious preparation. Here’s why planning matters (see https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/cold-weather-hiking.html) 
• Safety: A solid plan lowers the risk of accidents and emergencies.
• Confidence: Being prepared allows you to tackle challenges head-on.
• Prevention: Proper research and packing reduce the likelihood of preventable health issues.

Hiking in wet conditions might seem manageable, but it can quickly become hazardous due to slippery terrain and flooding. Heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods or dangerous conditions. Always check the weather forecast and be ready to cut your hike short if necessary. Choose the Right Gear.

• Waterproof Clothing: Invest in a good-quality rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots.
• Backpack Cover: Use a waterproof cover to protect your gear from getting wet.
• Mind the Trail.
  • Stick to Stable Paths: Avoid trails prone to erosion or flooding.
  • Watch Your Step: Be cautious while stepping on wet rocks and uneven terrain.
  • Know When to Turn Back.

Hiking in freezing temperatures can pose risks such as frostbite and hypothermia. Bundle Up.

• Layering: Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap heat and stay dry.
• Extremities: Insulated gloves, warm socks, and a hat are essential to protect your hands, feet, and head.
• Stay Nourished.
• High-Calorie Snacks: Cold weather demands more energy to keep your body warm. Bring calorie-rich foods.
• Warm Beverages: Carry a thermos filled with a hot drink to help maintain your body temperature.
• Keep Moving. Staying active will help you retain body heat. Periodically check your fingers, toes, and face for signs of frostbite.

One of the biggest uncertainties while hiking is dealing with sudden and unpredictable weather changes. Here’s how you can prepare for this challenge:

• Always Check Forecasts.
• Consult reliable weather sources before and during your hike. Apps or websites providing real-time weather alerts are invaluable tools. Pack Smart.
• Emergency Kit: Include essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, and thermal blanket.
• Extra Clothing: Always carry an extra layer of warm or waterproof clothing.
• Know Your Exit Plan. Plan an emergency exit route before you start your hike. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and available shelter options.

• Assign a leader and establish clear roles for emergencies.
• Stay close together to ensure no one strays from the group.

To stay comfortable on a cold-weather hike, it’s critical to wear the right clothing and carry the right gear.

• Wear layers:Layering is a three-part system that includes a base layer that wicks perspiration away from your skin, a mid layer that insulates you from the cold and a shell (or jacket) that keeps wind and moisture out. The goal with layering is to add and remove layers throughout your hike so you can stay warm and comfortable without overheating and getting sweaty. It can feel like a chore to stop and change clothes, but it’s really important to stay dry. Getting wet on a cold day can possibly lead to hypothermia.
• Say no to cotton: When cotton gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, which can leave you feeling damp, cold and miserable. Synthetic and wool layers dry much faster and will move perspiration away from your skin.
• Cover your skin:Any skin that is exposed to freezing temperatures and cold wind is prone to frostbite. Take special care of your nose, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes.

• For your hands,try wearing lightweight or mid-weight fleece gloves under waterproof shell mittens or shell gloves. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra pair of fleece gloves that you keep stowed in your pack in case the ones you’re wearing get wet.
• For your feet,wear synthetic or wool socks that fit well. Thicker socks provide more insulation, but make sure they don’t cause your boots to fit too tight, which can cut off circulation. It’s also important to keep your feet dry, so carrying an extra pair of socks to change into is a good idea. Wear waterproof boots if you’ll be trekking through snow, and if you’ll be in very cold temperatures you might require boots with built-in insulation.
• For your nose and cheeks,try a neck gaiter for face mask.
• For your ears,a winter hat or headband can do the trick. A neck gaiter or face mask may also provide coverage for your ears.
• Avoid tight clothing:Wristwatch bands, cuffs of gloves, gaiters and boots that are too tight can cause poor circulation, which can increase your chance of getting frostbite. Make sure your clothing and gear fit properly.
• Add heat:Hand warmer and toe warmer packets are a great way to warm up your digits, especially if you’re prone to cold fingers and toes.
• Wear a hat:You can lose heat through the top of your head, so pull a winter hat on if you’re feeling chilly.
• Keep snow out with gaiters: If your hike will take you through deep snow, gaiters are a must for keeping snow out of your boots. They also add a bit of warmth. Be sure to use waterproof/breathable gaiters for hiking in snow.
• Bring goggles or sunglasses:Always protect your eyes from the sun and wind. Many goggles and some sunglasses allow you to swap lenses in and out so you can select the right lens tint for the weather.
• Apply sunscreen: Just because its cold out doesn’t mean you stop worrying about sunburn. In fact, if there’s snow on the ground, the sun’s rays can reflect back up at you, so you need to be diligent about applying sunscreenon the underside of your nose and chin and around your neck.
• Pack a headlamp: If you’re hiking in winter, you’ll have less daylight hours, especially if you’re in the northern part of the U.S. You don’t have to end your trip when the sun goes down, but you must be prepared to hike in the dark. Have a sense for how many hours of usable daylight you have and always pack a headlampwith fresh batteries.
• Keep batteries warm: Cold weather can kill batteries quickly. Lithium batteries tend to hold up better in cold temperatures than alkaline batteries, but no matter what battery type you use, its best if you try to keep them warm. Stowing your headlamp, GPS, cell phone and other electronics in a pocket close to your body can help.
• Bring the Ten Essentials:The Ten Essentials are a collection of items that help outdoor adventurers be prepared for emergency situations. It’s wise to take these items along whenever you head out for a hike, but perhaps even more so when exploring in cold weather where consequences of a mishap can be more severe.

1. Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger  Headlamp: plus extra batteries 
2. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen 
3. First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed) 
4. Knife plus a gear repair kit 
5. Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove 
6. Shelter carried at all times (can be a light emergency bivy) 
7. Extra food Beyond the minimum expectation 
8. Extra water Beyond the minimum expectation 
9. Extra clothes Beyond the minimum expectation
10. The exact items from each system that you take can be tailored to the trip you’re taking. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate you might choose to take a map, compass and PLB, but leave your GPS and altimeter behind. On a longer, more complex outing, you might decide you want all those tools to help you find your way. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water equestrian electric/water campsites. The park also has a special-use camping area. Sites can be reserved by contacting Missouri State Parks. Make a Campsite Reservation, 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).

• Shepherd Mountain Inn
  Located less than a 30-minute drive from Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
  1321 N Highway 21, Ironton, MO
  (573) 546-7418
• Fort Davidson Hotel
  310 South McCune St
  Pilot Knob, MO 63663
  573-546-7427
  https://fortdavidson.com
• Farmington, Missouri (32 miles/45 minutes from Johnson’s Shut-Ins) Brand hotels like Hampton, Holiday Inn Express, Quality Inn, and Super 8. Closer hotels near Johnson’s Shut-Ins include a few Bed and Breakfasts or motels.

Both the Chosin and Devil Dog Challenges cross the Black River twice.

Chosin crosses at mile 13.5 and again at mile 40.

Devil Dog crosses at mile 13.5 and again at mile 17.

The Chosin Challenge climbs Taum Sauk Peak the highest point in Missouri at 1772 feet. While relatively low in terms of elevation at 1,772 feet (540 m) compared to other peaks, Taum Sauk and the St. Francois range are true mountains, being the result of a volcanic  orogeny. Whereas vertical relief in the rest of the Ozarks region is the result of erosion of sedimentary strata, the St. Francois are an ancient Precambrian igneous uplift several times older than the Appalachians. Geologists believe that Taum Sauk and its neighbors may be among the few areas in the US never to have been submerged in ancient seas. The peaks of the St. Francois range existed as islands in the shallow seaway throughout most of the Paleozoic Era as the sandstones, limestones, and shale’s typical of the Ozarks were deposited. Weathering and erosion of these ancient peaks provided the clastic sediments of the surrounding rock layers. Taum Sauk is said to be named for a Piankeshaw chief named Sauk-Ton-Qua.

The Chosin Challenge climbs Mina Sauk Falls, the highest waterfall in Missouri. The falls have cascading waters only during times of wet weather; at other times they are reduced to a trickle or less depending on the weather. In 2025 the falls where flowing during the Chosin Challenge weekend.

The trailhead for the Chosin, Devil Dog Challenges and the Warrior Course begins at the base of Goggin Mountain within the beautiful Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Campground. 

All events finish at the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Day Use Area in front of the Interpretive Pavilion, .2 miles from the Black River Center.

The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial (MKWVM) is sponsoring this event. Proceeds go toward veteran programs, preserving the MKWVM and this powerful (and often forgotten) piece of history. This is not just a physical challenge — it’s a tribute. It is anticipated that this event will also generate interest in the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial in downtown Kansas City, MO., ensuring that this will never be the “forgotten war.”

The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial located within Washington Square Park at 174 E Pershing Rd in Kansas City, Missouri is the official Korean War veteran’s memorial for the state of Missouri.

• 900+ Missouri Military Lives Lost
• 37,000 American Lives Lost
• 103,000 Americans Wounded
• 1.5 Million Americans Served

• Ready for a Winter River Crossing?
• Things to Know About Parking