There are over 50 picnic sites scattered throughout the park and a children?s playground facility located in the main picnic area. Two picnic shelters can also be reserved for large family gatherings or special outings. Both shelters are covered and can accommodate up to 75 guests. The shelters include outdoor grills, picnic tables, electrical outlets and restroom facilities. Contact the park office at (417) 847-2539 in advance to reserve the shelters at a rate of $40 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

If it is the more remote and less-used portions of Roaring River State Park you wish to visit, you are invited to do so by using one of several hiking trails through the area. The trails are open year-round for a hike on a snowy day, tour of the spring wildflowers or a trek through the colorful autumn forest. Regardless of the seasons, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience.

River Trail - .7 mile : Running parallel to Roaring River between the CCC lodge and Campground 3, this trail is an example of the trail work done in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Wildflower displays are outstanding along this trail in the spring.

Devil?s Kitchen - 1.5 miles : This trail?s name is derived from an odd rock outcrop that formed a roomlike enclosure. This room, which has since collapsed, according to legend was used as a hideout by Civil War guerrillas. Entry and exit points for the trail are located near the junction of Highway 112 and the hatchery road, and in the small picnic area across from the CCC lodge. The trail is marked with blue and yellow arrows. A self-guided interpretive brochure for this trail is available at the nature center and the park office.

Pibern Trail - 1.5 miles : A variety of different habitats, including both dry and moist limestone forests, tall bluffs, north- and south-facing slopes, and a small Ozark stream are traversed by this trail. Access points can be found at the north end of Campground 1 and on the right across the bridge to the private campground. The trail is marked with orange arrows.

Eagle?s Nest Trail - 2.3 miles : This trail is located on the south side of Roaring River near Campground 2. It begins behind campsite 81 and follows the 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. The trail is marked with yellow and green arrows.

Deer Leap Trail - .2 mile : This short trail leads to an overlook and boardwalk above the fish hatchery and the spring that is the head of Roaring River. From the overlook, you may be able to see the axle from an undershot waterwheel that powered a gristmill operation in the mid-19th century. Access points to the trail are located next to the waterfall and near the sidewalk that leads to the spring.

Fire Tower Trail - 3.5 miles : There are three access points to this trail: one from near the nature center along Hwy. F, one at the wild area parking lot on Highway F, and one off Deer Leap Trail. The old lookout tower, about 1.5 miles from the nature center, was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as an observation platform. The entire trail is located in Roaring River Hills Wild Area. This area offers rugged Ozark terrain, dense hardwood forests and open dolomite glades. The trail is excellent for birders and photographers. The trail is identified with yellow and brown arrows.

Springhouse Trail - .5 mile : Access to this trail can be found in the southwest corner of the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center parking lot. The trail passes through a dry-mesic forest with a variety of trees and wildflowers. The trail passes by an old homestead site, below the upper level, with a springhouse that was used to keep food cold by using the natural cool temperature of the spring water that passed through the rock layer structure.

Park naturalists conduct regularly scheduled nature programs everyday during the summer season. Morning and evening programs include slide shows and movies, nature hikes and much more. Contact the park naturalist at (417) 847-3742 for information regarding interpretive programs.

From Springfield : Roaring River State Park is 65 miles from Springfield. Travel west on U.S. Hwy. 60 for 39 miles to Monett. Turn left/south onto Hwy. 37 and continue for 19 miles to Cassville. Take Hwy. 76/86 west through Cassville to Hwy. 112. Travel south on Hwy. 112 for seven miles to the park entrance.

From Joplin : Roaring River State Park is 66 miles from Joplin. Travel east on I-44 to Exit 26/Sarcoxie. Take Hwy. 37 south for 42 miles to Cassville. Take Hwy. 76/86 east through Cassville to Hwy. 112. Travel south on Hwy. 112 for seven miles to the park entrance.

From Rogers, Ark. : Roaring River State Park is 28 miles from Rogers, Ark. Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 62 for 15 miles to Garfield, Ark.; turn north onto Hwy. 37. Continue on Hwy. 37 for four miles to Seligman; turn right onto Hwy. 112. Travel nine miles east on Hwy. 112 to the park entrance.

From Eureka Springs, Ark. : Roaring River State Park is 20 miles from Eureka Springs, Ark. Travel north on Hwy. 23 for 10 miles to Eagle Rock; turn west onto Hwy. 86. Continue on Hwy. 86 for six miles to Route F. Turn left onto Route F and continue west for four miles to the park entrance.

From Branson : Roaring River State Park is 50 miles from Branson. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 65 for seven miles. Turn right/west onto Hwy. 86 and continue on through Eagle Rock. Turn left onto Route R and continue west for four miles to the park entrance.