Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, State park along the Cossatot River in Howard and Polk counties, Arkansas

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area covers 5,299.65 acres in Howard and Polk counties, following 12.5 miles of the Cossatot River. The river drops through Class III, IV and V rapids in a rocky canyon with old-growth hardwoods and juniper glades. Trails are the 14-mile River Corridor Trail and the 3.5-mile Harris Creek Trail.

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission approached Weyerhaeuser Corporation in 1975 about creating a park along the Cossatot River. Weyerhaeuser worried the commission could not manage the dangerous rapids, so in 1984 the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism joined as a partner. The Nature Conservancy held the land in trust until state funds were allocated, and the park entered the system in 1988. Arkla Gas later donated 160 acres in exchange for crossing the river with a 36-inch gas pipeline.

The visitor center offers year-round programs where you can learn about the plants and animals that live in this part of the Ouachita Mountains. Staff members help guests understand how the river shapes the local ecosystem and what makes the region special.

Campsites sit at Cossatot Falls (7 sites), Sandbar (14 sites) and Ed Banks (one site), all without hookups; Brushy Creek Recreation Area has restrooms, picnic tables and river access at the Highway 246 bridge. The 12.5-mile river stretch is rough and undeveloped, with Class III, IV and dangerous Class V rapids, so check water levels and bring whitewater experience before paddling.

Two fish species found nowhere else but in the Little River system make their home in these waters, while a rare plant called Browne's waterleaf grows along the banks. These species highlight why the area matters for conservation efforts.