Rivers & Lakes

Arkansas summers are hot, and the best way to cool off is a trip to the nearest body of water. Locals know the best places, and are usually agreeable to share the location of their favorite spot or at the very least, their second favorite spot.

Bard Springs

Located next to a small scenic stream in a remote mountain setting, the Bard Springs Recreation Area offers five adirondake-type shelters for picnicking. A very small dam on the stream creates a pool of water that is popular with swimmers in the summertime. Once a small campground in the past, this area is now open for day-use only. No electricity or water is available at the site, but a vault toilet is provided. Nearby Shady Lake offers camping opportunities. Mena-Oden Ranger District 479-394-2382.

Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

The Cossatot River flows through the Ouachita National Forest offering a beautiful, yet challenging course for kayakers and canoeists as well as numerous sandbars and swimming holes for those who prefer to live life at a slower pace. When local rainfall increases the watershed, the river forms Cossatot Falls, a rocky canyon with a series of back-to-back class III-IV+ rapids that drop around 40 feet in 1/8 of a mile. With names such as Washing Machine, Whiplash, and Devil’s Hollow Falls, adventure and adrenaline are likely flow as fast as the river. The rest of the year, the river meanders lazily and is a welcome respite from the Arkansas heat. Camping sites are located near the Cossatot Falls area, and at the nearby Brushy Creek Recreation area with four scenic trails, spanning nearly 20 miles, for hikers to enjoy. Cossatot River State Park Visitor’s Center is located at 1980 Hwy 278 W, in Wickes. 870-385-2201.

Cossatot River

Little Missouri Falls

Mountain Fork River

Ouachita River

Shady Lake

Little Missouri Falls

Little Missouri Falls is a stair-step fall situated in a deep gorge that attracts those looking to explore, those looking to relax, and those in search of the perfect photo opportunity. A short hike on a paved trail is required to reach the falls, and is worth every step. As soon as one lays eyes on this gorgeous section of the Little Missouri River, they instantly know that they will return. Restrooms, an observation site, picnic tables, and barbecue grills are available. Caddo-Womble Ranger District 870-867-2101

Mountain Fork River

The Upper Mountain Fork River offers 31.7 miles of canoeing or kayaking from near Hatfield, Arkansas to Broken Bow Lake in Oklahoma. This part of the river has Class I and II rapids, clear water, fishing for Smallmouth bass and other species, and excellent scenery with pine forests covering the hills and bluffs along the river’s course. Water levels in the river are generally adequate for boating yearround.

Ouachita River

The Ouachita is a river of diverse beauty. It begins as a small mountain stream at Eagleton (Polk County) and flows eastward approximately 120 miles. It winds through lush mountain valleys, steadily building as it flows between huge boulders beneath mountain bluffs. The Ouachita is noted for its great fishing, especially bass, bream, and white perch. Wildlife is prolific along the banks of the river. Mena-Oden Ranger District 479-394-2382.

Shady Lake

Shady Lake is a small but scenic 25-acre secluded lake in the southern Ouachita National Forest southeast of Mena. This area and the lake were developed by the CCC in the 1930s. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. The campground offers 64 sites for campers, both tent and RV/trailer. Twenty of the sites offer water and electric hookups, with most of those being able to accomodate Rvs up to 30 feet long. The rest of the campsites, 44 of them, are primitive tent camping sites, offering no hookups. The campground (in-season) offers showers and flush toilets, and a dump station as well. Mena-Oden Ranger District 479-394-2382.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he is not the same man.” - Heraclitus

Rivers DLakes

Lake Wilhelmina

Lake Wilhelmina is an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lake approximately 200 surface acres in size, constructed in 1958. The lake has a reputation for excellent bluegill and redear fishing. The commission maintains a concrete boat ramp on the southeast side of the lake. Primitive camping areas are located along the eastern side of the lake. An accessible wooden fishing pier is located on the southwest side of the lake. Polk Road 125, Mena.

Earthquake Ridge - 4.4 miles Fourche Mountain Trail - 26 miles Ouachita National Recreational Trail (IMBA EPIC) Big Brushy Complex - 15.5 Miles Rich Mountain Trail - 8 miles Shady Lake Trail - 3.5 miles Wolf Pen Gap - 42 miles

Backroads TrailsD