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Roby Lake
Perfectly located adjacent to the pristine Paddy Creek Wilderness, Roby Lake provides a variety of activities which include a picnic/day use area, two hiking trails, fishing the 5-acre lake for bass, sunfish or catfish, and a good parking area for equestrians.
Only nonmotorized boats are allowed on the lake. There is a gravel, carry down launch for accessing the lake.
This area serves as one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail in the Paddy Creek Wilderness. The trail meanders some 18 miles and changes 500 feet in elevation, with the highest point near Roby Tower. Trails are unmarked; use of maps and compass is recommended.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Day use from 6 am to 10 pm |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | First come, first served. |
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Boat ramp, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | No fees |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Roby, Licking |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
| Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District Email | Phone and Address |
General Information
Directions:From Roby, MO
- take Hwy 17 one mile north.
- Turn east/right on Forest Road 274 and travel one mile to the area.
From Licking, MO
- Take 32W approximately 24 miles to Lake Lane.
- Turn right onto Lake Lane and travel 1 mile to the trailhead parking lot.
Accessibility:
Picnic tables and grills are accessible. The voilet vault at Big Piney Trailhead, just up the road 1000 feet, is also accessible.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
There are many pockets of logs, trees and other cover materials so use caution.
This lake is stocked every three years, by MDC, with Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Chanel Catfish, Crappie
| Fish Species | catfish, bass, sunfish and longear, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie |
| Fishing Mode | canoe, kayak, wading, bank fishing |
| Fishing Platform | None |
| Fishing Method | Rod & Reel, flyfishing |
Day Hiking
Big Piney Trail - 18-miles
There are 18 miles of designated trails within the wilderness. The elevation of the area changes 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area, and Paddy Creek as it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness. Signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent and the use of maps and compass is recommended. Travel is by foot or on horseback
Backpacking
Big Piney Trail - 18-miles
There are 18 miles of designated trails within the wilderness. The elevation of the area changes 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area, and Paddy Creek as it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness. Signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent and the use of maps and compass is recommended. Travel is by foot or on horseback
Horse Riding
Big Piney Trail - 18-miles
There are 18 miles of designated trails within the wilderness. The elevation of the area changes 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area, and Paddy Creek as it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness. Signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent and the use of maps and compass is recommended. Travel is by foot or on horseback
Picnicking
There are picnic tables, each with a pedestal grill and vault toilet
| No. of Sites | 6 single sites |
Boating - Non-Motorized
This 5-acre lake has a gravel, carry-down launch suitable for small boats only.
| Size Restrictions | None |
| Type of Craft | canoe, kayak |
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parking: | Lake: 15 vehicles, trailhead: five trucks with trailers and five vehicles |
| Toilets: | Yes - at trailhead |
| Accessible: | Some amenities and features are accessible |
| Boat ramp: | Yes |
Location
