The Basics
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
1980 Highway 278 West
Wickes, AR 71973
Phone: (870) 385-7858
Email: cossatotriver@arkansas.com
Directions: The visitor center is located eight miles east of Wickes on Hwy 278, near where the highway crosses the Cossatot River.
River Access is available via US Hwy 278, AR Hwy 246, Weyerhaeuser roads (especially #52000 to the Ed Banks Bridge, and #52600 to the Sandbar low-water bridge, above Cossatot Falls), and Forest Service Road #31.
About Cossatot River
Rising south of Mena in the Ouachita National Forest, the Cossatot River is one of the most challenging whitewater streams in Arkansas. The early indians called the river Cossatot, meaning "skull crusher." The river travels along layers of jagged, east/west orentiation bedrock. This is what gives the river its class IV and class V ratings.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area protects 12 scenic miles of this remote and wild river. Within the parks boundaries is Cossatot Falls, a rocky and rugged canyon that provides canoeists and kayakers challenging class IV rapids. Water flow levels depend upon rainfall, so floatable river levels are usually best in late fall, winter, and spring. Because of this, no floater services are available. Visit the US Geological Survey Website for real time data on river levels.
Hikers have two trails available, the 14-mile River Corridor Trail and the 3.5-mile Harris Creek Trail.
The visitor center features exhibits, a gift shop, meeting rooms, and a wildlife observation room. Exhibits offer information about the plants, wildlife, and geology of this remote river and surrounding area. The visitor center is located on US Hwy 278, eight miles east of Wickes, near where the highway crosses the Cossatot River.
Features & Facilities
Visitor Center | Gift Shop | Exhibits | Meeting Rooms | Observation Room | Picnic Area/Tables | Campground | Restrooms | River Access
Activities Available
Camping | Hiking Trails | Canoeing/Kayaking | Swimming | Fishing | Cossatot Falls
What's Nearby
Parks & Nature
Daisy State Park
Ouachita National Forest
Trails
Daisy State Park
Ouachita National Forest
Camping
Daisy State Park
Ouachita National Forest
Lodging
Local Eateries
Gear & Supplies
Other Attractions
Towns & Cities