Cossatot River State Park

This 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 whitewater. In the river's Cossatot Falls area with its distinct ledges, the river drops 33 feet in elevation within 1/3 of a mile. Floatable river levels are usually limited to late-fall, winter and spring. Late winter to early spring is peak whitewater paddling season here. Class III-V whitewater is for experts only.