Class II Cossatot River, AR

The stream heads up in rugged Ouachita mountain country, just southeast of Mena. It flows in a southerly direction for about 26 miles before its current ceases at Gillham Lake. Along the way, the Cossatot travels through the Ouachita National Forest, alongside a wilderness area, and over and around upended layers of jagged bedrock. This last characteristic is what gives the stream its Class IV/Class V rating among river-runners. The Cossatot, however, is not just for floaters. In fact, much of its whitewater is not recommended for casual canoeists. The stream offers something for nearly everyone interested in Arkansas's outdoors.

The National Park Service describes it as "probably the most challenging" white-water float in the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a little more emphatic, saying it "is the most difficult whitewater stream in the state of Arkansas."

Early Indians simply called it Cossatot—their word for "skull crusher." Today, the Cossatot River is still crushing things, but they're mostly canoes, ice chests, and the egos of over-confident paddlers.

 

For More Information Visit:

Cossatot River - rivers.gov