Cossatot River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cossatot River |
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The Cossatot River near Gillham Lake in Howard County, Arkansas
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The Little River watershed
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ouachita Mountains 34°28′52″N 94°11′37″W / 34.48122°N 94.19354°W |
| River mouth | Gillham Lake, Howard County, Arkansas 33°47′28″N 94°09′15″W / 33.79123°N 94.15408°W |
| Type: | Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | April 22, 1992 |
The Cossatot River is a river about 89 miles (143 km) long in Arkansas, a state in the United States. It flows through Howard, Polk, and Sevier counties.
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Exploring the Cossatot River
The Cossatot River starts high up in the Ouachita Mountains. It flows through the beautiful Ouachita National Forest. The river generally moves south until it reaches Gillham Lake.
After leaving Gillham Lake, the river becomes much calmer. It then joins another river called the Little River. Finally, both rivers flow into Millwood Lake.
What Does "Cossatot" Mean?
The name "Cossatot" comes from an old Native American word. It roughly means "skull crusher." This name hints at how powerful and challenging parts of the river can be.
Whitewater Adventures
The Cossatot River is famous for its exciting whitewater rapids. It's a popular spot for people who love to canoe and kayak. Some parts of the river are very difficult, with rapids rated from Class II to Class IV+.
A special section of the river, about 11 miles (18 km) long, is called the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. This area includes Cossatot Falls.
Cossatot Falls: A Thrilling Ride
Cossatot Falls is a series of rapids that are very close together. The water drops about 40 feet (12 meters) in a short distance. These rapids are known for being quite challenging.
Some of the rapids at Cossatot Falls have fun names like:
- Cossatosser (Class II+)
- Eye Opener
- B.M.F. (Class III)
- Washing Machine (Class IV+)
- Whiplash (Class III+)
- Shoulderbone (Class II)
Downstream from the main falls, you'll find more rapids such as Deer Camp Rapid (Class III) and Devil's Hollow Falls (Class IV). Upstream, there are Zigzag (Class III) and the Esses (Class III). The difficulty of these rapids can change a lot depending on how high the water is.
A River with a Special Name
Did you know that a World War II ship was named after this river? The fleet oiler USS Cossatot (AO-77) helped supply fuel to other ships during the war.
Visiting the Cossatot River
If you want to visit, there are places to camp near Cossatot Falls. You can also find camping at the nearby Brushy Creek Recreation area. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures.
The Cossatot River is recognized as a special place. It's part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This means it's protected for its natural beauty and recreational value. It's also an "Arkansas Natural and Scenic River."
