Roaring River State Park | Missouri State Trout Park and Lodging

Leads to an overlook above the fish hatchery

Deer Leap Trail

Deer Leap Trail leads to an overlook and boardwalk above the fish hatchery and the spring at the head of Roaring River. From the overlook, it is easy to see the axle shaft from an undershot waterwheel that powered a gristmill in the mid-19th century. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail in the 1930s after harvesting the rocks used for the steps from the park.

A self-guided interpretive brochure is available

Devil’s Kitchen Trail

Devil’s Kitchen Trail has a name which is derived from an odd rock outcrop that formed a roomlike enclosure. According to legend, this room, which has since collapsed, was used as a hideout by Civil War guerrillas. A self-guided interpretive brochure for this trail is available at the nature center and the park office. In addition to the Devil’s Kitchen, the interpretive trail provides information on other geologic features such as caves and different landscapes and plants visitors will find along the trail.

One of the highest points in the park

Eagle’s Nest Trail

Eagle’s Nest Trail follows Roaring River for some distance before ascending to one of the highest points in the park. An old homestead was located where the lilac bushes and yucca are growing along the ridge. If accessing the trail from campground 3, cross the bridge at the service road.

Excellent for bird watchers and photographers

Fire Tower Trail

Fire Tower Trail is mostly located inside the 2,075-acre Roaring River Hills Wild Area and passes next to the Roaring River Cove Hardwood Natural Area. This area offers rugged Ozark terrain, dense hardwood woodlands, open dolomite glades and deep hollows. The views from its wildflower-filled natural meadows remain pure wilderness. The steep hillsides have extensive woodland belts that hide numerous stony bluffs, sheltered forest coves, springs and clear-water streams. The old lookout tower, about 1.5 miles from the nature center, was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This trail is excellent for bird watchers and photographers.

A variety of habitats on this trail

Pibern Trail

Pibern Trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s while they were harvesting material for the construction of park features. A variety of habitats, including both dry and moist limestone woodlands, tall bluffs, north and south-facing slopes and a small Ozark stream are features on this trail.

Wildflower displays are outstanding along this trail

River Trail

River Trail runs parallel to Roaring River between the CCC Lodge and campground 3. This trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is a good example of the trail work they completed. Wildflower displays are outstanding along this trail in the spring.

Passes through a dry-mesic wooded area

Springhouse Trail

Springhouse Trail passes through a dry-mesic wooded area with a variety of trees and wildflowers. It passes by the remains of a springhouse that was used to keep food cold by using the naturally cool temperature of the spring water that passed through the rock layer structure. It's located at the bottom of the park lot of the Emory Melton Inn & Convention Center.