Outdoor Recreational Events

Ozark Trail Association

Earth Day & OTA Mega Event at Round Spring, (April 21-22, 2018)
Celebrate Earth Day with the Ozark Trail Association at Round Spring on Saturday and Sunday as we continue to work on the new trail connecting Round Spring to the Ozark Trail. Saturday evening we will provide a bonfire, entertainment, and fun facts about Earth Day. For more information contact 573-323-8093.

 

American Canoe Association (ACA) Paddle Clinic and Interpretive Float at Round Spring, (July 8, 15, 22, 29) Pre-Registration required by calling 573-323-8093. Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Current River State Park will be offering free paddling clinics July 7-8, July 14-15, July 21-22, and July 28-29. The schedule for each weekend clinic will be the same, with dry land basic sessions conducted on Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m. at the Round Spring amphitheater. Paddle stroke instruction will begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday on the lower lake at Current River State Park. Students will have the option to continue instruction on the river in the afternoon, paddling approximately 4 miles from Current River State Park to Round Spring on an interpretive float with an instructor.

Topics to be covered include canoe and kayak equipment, rescue techniques, basic paddle strokes and maneuvers, and river safety. Instructors for this clinic are certified by the American Canoe Association. Kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices will be supplied by Current River State Park and the clinics are free to all participants. Each session is limited to twelve participants, so pre-registration is required. For registration or more info call 573-323-8093.

 

Junior Ranger Day Camp at Round Spring, (July 9-12, 2018) 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pre-Registration Required.
Children are invited to spend the morning with a Park Ranger from 9:00 a.m. to noon each day from Monday, July 9, through Thursday, July 12. The day camp will be a great opportunity for kids to enjoy fun, exciting and educational activities as they become "Junior Rangers."

Activities will focus on the development of outdoor skills and the study of natural wonders in the park. On Monday, Junior Rangers will explore river critters and try their luck fishing. Tuesday will be trails and outdoor skills day, with an opportunity to explore the newly constructed Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail. On Wednesday, a paddling class will be presented by certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. Thursday will be exploration of the underground wonders of Round Spring Cave. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a Junior Ranger badge. This program is targeted at children seven to twelve years of age. Space is limited, so call the Round Spring Ranger Station at [phone] to reserve a spot for your children and to receive detailed information about the program schedule and activities.

 

"Bark" Ranger Day (Woof!) at Big Spring, (September 15, 2018) 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.

 

Let the Hiking Begin! Kickoff for Fall Hiking Season at Round Spring, (September 15-16, 2018) This two day hiking event will celebrate the start of the hiking season in Missouri. Activities on Saturday will focus on trails in the Round Spring and Echo Bluff area. On Sunday National Park Service Rangers will host a hike on the newly constructed Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail.

 

National Public Lands Day at Round Spring, (September 29, 2018) On Saturday volunteers will visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, or forests to give back to the treasured lands where we play, learn, and relax in celebration of the 25^th annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD)—the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Join us in the Round Spring Campground Saturday morning to select a project for the day. That evening we will meet in the Round Spring Pavilion for a presentation and celebration of our public lands.

 

Fall Hikes (October 7, 14, 21, 28 and Nov 3, 2018)
October 7-Fall Hike from Owls Bend to Klepzig Mill
October 14-Fall Hike on the Round Spring Spur
October 21-Autumn Color Hike to Cave Spring
November 3-Hike to Honor Veterans, Rocky Falls to Stegall Mountain

 

Gigs and Ghost at Round Spring, (October 20, 2018) Starts at 5 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to learn about a time-honored tradition on the Current River. Agents from the Missouri Department of Conservation will provide an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at gigging. National Park Service Rangers will host a storytelling session around a bonfire on the gravel bar during the event.

 

Prairie Hollow Gorge Hike, (December 15, 2018) 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Hikers are encouraged to attend a Ranger hosted hike to what many call the hidden gem of the riverways. Hikers need to wear good hiking shoes, pack water and must be prepared for moderate hiking. Sheer rock cliffs of an ancient landscape at Prairie Hollow is home to some scenic views and varied flora and fauna. Please pre-register by calling 573-226-3945.

 

Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float at Round Spring, (December 30-January 1) The National Park Service and Missouri State Parks will host an ACA Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float on the Current River. Sessions for the paddling clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on December 30 and 31. On January 1 paddlers will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current River and gather at Current River State Park in the afternoon for a bonfire and warm beverage.