Warrior Course – Accessible
On Sunday, December 6th, at 10:00 a.m. the first participants will cross the starting line for the 4-mile Warrior Course. Beginning in the campground near the Goggin Mountain Trailhead the trail traverses open fields before crossing under Highway N and over a bridge at Cope Hollow then along the Black River to the Johnson Shut-Ins and a wheelchair-accessible .3-mile boardwalk trail above the flowing waters of the Shut-Ins. The trail then follows the Black River Trail System back to the Johnson Shut-Ins Day Use Area and the finish line. This course is wheelchair-accessible and open to all hikers; the trail offers benches along the way for convenient resting places.
Warrior Course Registration (Open to Individuals and Families)
The 4-mile course is open to registered families and individuals.
Minimum age to participate is 15 years old, provided the individual is registered and hiking with a parent/guardian or a member of the family 18 years or older. If under 15 the child is not considered a participant (no cost) and MUST be with parent/ guardian at all times when on the course).
Pets (in accordance with Missouri State Parks Regulations), wheelchairs, knee scooters, or bicycles are allowed on the 4-mile Warrior course.
Capacity
Unlimited
Cost:
Individual: $25
Family: $60 – family of three ($20 each additional family member)
Estimated Time of Completion
4- mile “All Accessible:” 1-2 hours to complete. Course is on December 6th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Course closes at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th.
Packet Pick-up
4-Day Packet Pick-up Dates:
• Thursday, December 3rd, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park)
• Friday, December 4th, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park)
• Saturday, December 5th, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park)
• Sunday, December 6th, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Goggin Mtn. Trailhead Starting Line)
Note: Please ensure you pick up your packet prior to or on the morning of your event.
Starting Line Meet and Greet: From 9:00 am until 10:00 a.m.
Meet up with fellow hikers that you’ll see along the trail. Gather under the heaters at the starting line pavilion and enjoy conversation over a breakfast of hot sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and plenty of water.
Starting Line Safety Brief: 9:45. Mandatory for all participants.
Please ensure you’re present at the safety brief given by the Frozen Chosin and Parks Directors. The Warrior Course step-off will follow this briefing at 10:00 am.
Finish & Recognition
2026 Frozen Chosin Challenge Coin and tee shirt will be given to each participant. Completion Certificate will be awarded to each participant who completes their respective event.
Finishing Line Get Together: From 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Be at the finish line to cheer on fellow hikers as they cross that one last hurdle before the finish line. Join us and fellow hikers from the Chosin, Devil Dog and Warrior Courses in the warming tent for the camaraderie that comes from completing a brutal adventure. Relay your exploits and swap stories while enjoying hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea, plenty of water and warm finger foods.
Individuals/Families
For the 4-mile “Warrior Course” individual participants will be allowed to participate. No limit on size of family.
