Welcome to Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, one of 52 beautiful, historic state parks, each with their own special mission. The other thing they each have is a geocache. This adventure is based around visiting all 52 state parks. Each park cache has a clue that you will need to find the final, 53rd cache located somewhere in the state. Just download the clue sheet and start your adventure. We encourage you to upload photos on the geocaching.com page when you find one and also to tell us about your visit to the park on the state park blog. As an extra incentive, For a limited time you can pick up an Arkansas State Park geocoin at the final location and send it on it's way to visit parks throughout the world!
The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area stretches for 12 miles along the wild and scenic Cossatot River, Arkansas's premier whitewater experience renowned as the best whitewater float stream in mid-America. Located in southwest Arkansas south of Mena, the Cossatot forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that challenges the most experienced canoeists and kayakers with its Class IV and V rapids. When the water is high, the paddlers are here. This National Wild and Scenic River is a watershed basin with flow levels dependent on rainfall. After significant precipitation, the river level rises, allowing experienced paddlers the opportunity to test their skills in challenging Class IV and V whitewater. At the river's Cossatot Falls area, a rocky canyon with distinct ledges, the river drops 33 feet in elevation within 1/3 of a mile. Late winter to early spring is peak whitewater paddling season here. Class III-V whitewater is for experts only. Floatable river levels are usually limited to late-fall, winter and spring. Since flow levels are dependent upon rainfall, no floater services are provided on the Cossatot River. When the water level is normal, the river's rapids are usually considered Class II-III whitewater. Outdoor enthusiasts can swim, fish and float through riffles and small rapids, from pool to pool, as they relax and enjoy the Cossatot.
The park's Brushy Creek Recreation Area at the Highway 246 bridge offers day-use facilities including picnic sites, a nature trail, restrooms and river access. A walkway high above the river provides barrier-free access on the west side.
For hiking enthusiasts, the park features the 14-mile River Corridor Trail and the 3.5-mile Harris Creek Trail.
The park features a 15,000-square-foot visitor information/education center that is located on U.S. 278 east of Wickes where the highway crosses the Cossatot. The $2.7 million facility was funded by Amendment 75, Arkansas's Conservation Amendment. The center features a large exhibit gallery, two classroom/lab rooms, a wildlife viewing area, gift shop and park administrative offices. The theme of the Interpretive exhibits is “The Cossatot: A River for All Seasons" and the focus is on the river's ecology. Three information kiosks provide visitors with general information about the Cossatot River, park and other parks and museums that comprise Arkansas's state parks system.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area's 5,484 acres emphasize outdoor recreation, river preservation and environmental education. Interpretive programs are available by request. The park is managed by Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is located south of Mena. The northern route to the park is via Ark. 246 between Vandervoort and Athens. The southern route is via U.S. 278 between Wickes and Umpire. Weyerhaeuser Company roads provide river access.
Please check the park Web site for hours of operation. Park Permit Number 10-005
Plan some time for each of the parks and enjoy your visit. Learn about natural, cultural and state history. Take in a hike, a swim, a boat ride. Go fishing, cycling or just relax. For more information on geocaching in an Arkansas State Park visit our geocaching page. For information on geocaching throughout the Natural State visit Arkansas Geocaching. Have a great time and we’ll see you in a park!
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