Roaring River Spring, Cassville, MO 65625

## Overview Roaring River Spring is one of Missouri's most impressive natural springs, located within the scenic Roaring River State Park near Cassville in Barry County. The spring is a first-magnitude karst spring that surges from a cave opening at the base of a towering Ozark bluff, producing an estimated 20 million gallons of water per day. The powerful flow of crystal-clear water emerging from the dolomite rock gives the spring — and the park — its name, as the rushing water creates a distinctive roaring sound as it cascades downstream. The spring feeds Roaring River, which has been managed as one of Missouri's premier trout fishing destinations since the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped develop the park during the Great Depression. The CCC constructed many of the park's rustic stone structures, trails, and the trout hatchery that still operates today, making the area rich in both natural beauty and Depression-era history. The spring's consistently cold water — typically around 56°F (13°C) year-round — creates ideal conditions for rainbow trout, and the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks the river daily during trout season (March 1 through October 31). Geologically, Roaring River Spring is a window into the vast underground waterways of the Ozark Plateau. Rainwater percolates through layers of limestone and dolomite over a large recharge area, dissolving rock and carving subterranean passages before emerging at this dramatic outlet. The spring pool is strikingly blue-green and remarkably clear, offering visitors a mesmerizing view into the depths of the spring basin. While the spring water has historically been regarded as clean and pure, and visitors have reported that it tastes exceptionally fresh, water quality can vary and should not be assumed safe for drinking without treatment. ## Directions 1. From Cassville, Missouri, head south on **MO-112 South** for approximately 7 miles. 2. Follow signs for **Roaring River State Park** — the route is well-marked. 3. Turn onto **FR 2239 / Park Road** and enter the park. 4. The spring is located at the upper (southern) end of the park, near the **Roaring River Spring Trailhead** and the **trout hatchery**. 5. A short, paved trail leads from the parking area to the spring itself at the base of the bluff. 6. GPS coordinates: **36.591457, -93.831864** — the nearest address is 27199 FR 1135, Cassville, MO 65625. ## What to Expect Visitors to Roaring River Spring will find a well-maintained state park with easy access to the spring. A short, mostly paved path leads from the parking area to the spring pool at the base of a dramatic limestone bluff. The spring emerges from a cave opening and the water is strikingly clear with a blue-green hue — a favorite spot for photographers. The surrounding park offers over 10 miles of hiking trails through rugged Ozark terrain, including the **Devil's Kitchen Trail** and the **Fire Tower Trail**, which climbs to panoramic views of the river valley. The historic CCC-era structures throughout the park add architectural charm and historical interest. The area around the spring can be cool even in summer due to the cold water and shaded bluff setting, so a light jacket is a good idea. The park includes a nature center, campgrounds, cabins, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a general store. Trout fishing is extremely popular — anglers should check with the Missouri Department of Conservation for current regulations and tag requirements. The spring and park are open year-round, though facilities and services are more limited in winter. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is the busiest season. The spring flow remains strong and impressive in all seasons.