Winter 2006 - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Park
used to power mills now provide a popular
fishing spot. The rock shelters that used to
serve as hiding places for Civil War bushwhackers
now serve as cool resting places
along trails.
Although a variety of recreational facilities
dot the grounds, the 3,974-acre park
provides ample space to find solitude amid
the natural beauty. Follow a trail to an open
dolomite glade high above the park and
take in a scenic view of the hardwood
forests below, which hide numerous stony
bluffs, caves, springs and clear-water
streams. More than 10 miles of trails lead
visitors to hardwood forests, small Ozark
streams, geologic features like Devil’s
Kitchen, caves, Deer Leap Overlook and
scenic views. Each season of the year offers
a different color scheme, as assorted wild-
flowers bloom and tree leaves change color
and eventually drop.
The park is located in the White River
section of the Ozarks, known for its
scenery, the depth of its valleys, the size
and openness of its glades and the abundance
of its native plant life. The area’s geology
and rugged landscape influence the
growth of more than 600 species of plants
in the park, many of which cannot be found
in any other region of the state. The 2,045acre
Roaring River Hills Wild Area is an
important part of the park because the
plants, animals and natural communities
that survive in it have become living links
to a nearly lost natural landscape.
Fire Tower Trail leads visitors into the
wild area, where they can find rare Ozark
chinquapin trees on chert-covered ridges
(Opposite) An angler takes
the high-ground approach
to tempt trout below the
spillway on Roaring River.
(Above left) Roaring River
State Park is home to the
modern Emory Melton Inn
and Conference Center.
(Top) Dale and Iris Alexander,
of Port Arthur, Tex.,
stayed at the park after
evacuating their home
ahead of Hurricane Katrina.
(Above) The Smith Family of
Lone Jack gathered at Roaring
River. Pictured from left:
Lynn, Brandy, Barney, Kiara
and Corey. John Hearth is
on the right.
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