Winter 2006 - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Roaring River State
Restless River Born in Solitude
Atrickle of water drips from a fern-and-moss-covered
bluff into a deep blue pool of water. Far
below the water’s surface, 20 million gallons of
water gush daily into Roaring River Spring, the overflow
weaving its way, tumbling over rocks, between rugged
Ozark hills. Breathtaking views from glades and bluffs
high above showcase the deep, narrow valley through
which Roaring River flows and the rugged, mountainlike
terrain that surrounds it. The natural beauty of the Roaring
River valley captured the attention of early settlers and
20 Missouri Resources
by Jennifer Sieg
photographs by Scott Myers
still charms today’s visitors to Roaring River State Park
near Cassville.
Settlers flocked to the Roaring River valley in the early
1800s and businessmen traveled there in the early 1900s attracted
by the beauty and restfulness of the Ozarks and the
recreation opportunities that it provides. Thanks to the generosity
of one of those businessmen, Thomas Sayman,
2,400 acres of prime land along the river valley were purchased
in 1928 and donated to the state to preserve for
everyone to continue to enjoy. The waters that once were