Get outdoors this May with the park interpreters for an educational program, guided hike, or snorkeling adventure! Pack a lunch and make a day of it, allowing time to explore the interactive exhibits of the visitor center, take a short trail walk, or just be with nature along the river bank. We have tons of fun activities going on all Memorial Day weekend. See you at the river!
Saturday, May 2
A Home for a Black Bear
9-11a.m. @ Cossatot Falls
The American black bear relies on quality habitat in order to thrive and call Arkansas their home. Join a park interpreter to discover the day to day activities of the life of a black bear and investigate the vital components of their habitat.
Saturday, May 2
River Safari
2p.m. @ Brushy Creek
Explore the underwater world of the Cossatot River with a park interpreter! Snorkel in search of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess water health based on our finds. All supplies provided. Dress water ready!
Sunday, May 3
Micro Hike
10a.m. @ Waterleaf Trail
Have you ever imagined the world from the perspective of a bug? Join a park interpreter as we slow down and observe the smaller elements in the landscape– you never know what you might find! This is 0.5-mile round trip hike rated easy to moderate.
Every Sunday
Critter Feeding
3p.m. @ Visitor Center
Stop by the visitor center to join a park interpreter in feeding our resident critters– snakes, frogs, turtles, and more!
Saturday, May 9
Fishing Information Station
9-11a.m. @ Cossatot Falls
Join a park interpreter at this come and go station to learn about fishing in the Cossatot River. Explore new knots and take home a fishing guide for your river adventures.
Saturday, May 9
Track ID Station
2-4p.m. @ Sandbar Campground
Cossatot is home to many species of birds and mammals, but how do we know who has passed through? Stop by to learn about the differences in animal footprints, and how to become a track detective.
Saturday, May 16
River Safari
2p.m. @ Sandbar Bridge
Explore the underwater world of the Cossatot River with a park interpreter! Snorkel in search of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess water health based on our finds. All supplies provided. Dress water ready!
Saturday, May 16
Owl Prowl
8:30p.m. @ Cossatot Falls
“WOO” is out in the woods? Join a park interpreter near the Cossatot Falls campground to discuss these hunters of the night and call to owls to see if they respond. This walk is 0.5-mile round trip.
Sunday, May 17
Leave No Trace Watercolors
10a.m. @ Low Water Bridge
Do you know the 7 principles of Leave No Trace? Join a park interpreter to make your very own artwork and learn about the different ways we can help keep our park clean and healthy for other visitors and the critters that live here. All supplies provided.
Friday, May 22
Cossatot River Kayak Float Trip
9a.m.-4p.m. Meet @Visitor Center
Float the Cossatot River with park interpreters as your guides! This 6-hour day trip will take you down the calmest section of the Cossatot River within the park. Kayak, lifejacket and shuttle provided. Enjoy scenic views with breaks to swim and eat lunch. Registration and fees required. Space is limited! Please contact the park for more information at (870) 385-2201.
Saturday, May 23
All About Birds Hike
8:30a.m. @ Waterleaf Trail
Cossatot River State Park is home to many shapes and sizes of our feathered friends. How much do you know about the birds of the park? Join a park interpreter on the Waterleaf Trail to learn about birds and look for signs of who has been flying. This is an easy to moderate 0.5-mile hike.
Saturday, May 23
Fishing Information Station
10:30a.m. @ Cossatot Falls
Stop by the Cossatot Falls to practice your knots, learn about the fish of Cossatot River, and pick up a fishing guide! This is an hour long come and go station.
Saturday, May 23
Taking Flight: Why Birds Migrate
1p.m. @ Visitor Center Playground
Join a park interpreter as we explore the journey of migrating birds and the many hazards that they face, wrapping up with a fun game!
Saturday, May 23
Survival Skills
2p.m. @ Cossatot Falls
Do you know the rule of 3? Join a park interpreter and learn basic fire-starting skills, orienteering, and more!
Saturday, May 23
Mammals of Cossatot
4p.m. @ Visitor Center
Are you ready to discover the wild side of Cossatot River State Park? Stop by the center to investigate the diverse wildlife of the area with a park interpreter! This is a come and go station.
Saturday, May 23
Owl Prowl
8:30p.m. @ Cossatot Falls
“WOO” is out in the woods? Join a park interpreter near the Cossatot Falls campground to discuss these hunters of the night and call to owls to see if they respond. This walk is 0.5-mile round trip.
Sunday, May 24
Technology in Nature
9a.m. @ Visitor Center
Ever wish you could identify any plant or animal at the push of a button? Join an interpreter for a short information session followed by a hike on the Waterleaf Trail. We will discuss popular nature identification apps and how you can utilize them on National Trails Day! Please bring your smartphone or tablet that is able to take photos and connect to Wi-Fi.
Sunday, May 24
Tree ID
10a.m. @ Waterleaf Trail
Black oak, waterleaf oak, American sycamore, and sweetgum are all common trees in the Cossatot River Corridor. Tree leaves, bark, and buds are all useful hints to tell us what kind of tree we are looking at. Join a park interpreter as you learn how to identify different tree species, no matter the time of year.
Sunday, May 24
Micro Hike
11a.m. @ Brushy Creek Trailhead
Have you ever imagined the world from the perspective of a bug? Join a park interpreter as we slow down and observe the smaller elements in the landscape– you never know what you might find! This is a 0.75-mile round trip hike rated easy.
Sunday, May 24
Leave No Trace Watercolors
12p.m. @ Brushy Creek Recreation Area
Do you know the 7 principles of Leave No Trace? Join a park interpreter to create your own watercolor painting as we learn about the different ways we can help keep our park clean and healthy for visitors and animals for years to come. All supplies provided.
Sunday, May 24
Water Sleuths
2:30p.m. @ Low Water Bridge
Is the Cossatot River healthy? Learn how to examine the plants and animals in the river as indicators for water quality. Dive into basic chemistry and chemical water quality sampling with a park interpreter.
Monday, May 25
A.M. Power Hike
8:30a.m. @ Harris Creek
Work up a sweat with a park interpreter on the Harris Creek Trail! All hikers are welcome but this will be at a swift pace. Bring plenty of water and a snack. This trail is moderately difficult, so please wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing. This is a 3.75-mile round trip hike rated moderate to strenuous.
Monday, May 25
Birding Walk
8:30a.m. @ Waterleaf Trail
Bring your binoculars and rise with the birds for an early birding walk! Join a park interpreter and identify common species of birds at Cossatot and sharpen your birding skills. All levels of experience are welcome. This is a 0.5-mile round trip hike rated easy to moderate.
Monday, May 25
Backyard Insects
11:30a.m. @ Cossatot Falls
Have you ever seen an insect and had no idea what it was? We can help with that! Learn how to use an insect ID guide to understand what bugs you may find in your backyard. Join a park interpreter at the Cossatot Falls for an immersive ID walk. This walk is rated easy to moderate, 0.5 miles roundtrip.
Monday, May 25
Owl Pellets
12p.m. @ Visitor Center
Join the park interpreters in the classroom as we investigate the life of an owl. Explore the various species of owls found in Arkansas, their diet and how they play a key role in the ecosystem. This is a fascinating hands-on activity for all ages!
Saturday, May 30
Mammals of Cossatot
9-11a.m. @ Cossatot Falls
Are you ready to discover the wild side of Cossatot River State Park? Stop by the Falls to investigate the diverse wildlife of the area with a park interpreter! This is a come and go station.
Saturday, May 30
River Safari
2p.m. @ Sandbar Bridge
Explore the underwater world of the Cossatot River with a park interpreter! Snorkel in search of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess water health based on our finds. All supplies provided. Dress water ready!
Sunday, May 31
Orienteering
9a.m. @ Visitor Center
No service at your campsite? No worries! Forgo the online map and learn how to use a compass with a park interpreter. We will discuss how to brush up on basic compass skills. (Program best suited for adults and kids 12+).
For More Information about these programs, call Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area: (870) 385-2201. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, 1980 Hwy 278 W, Wickes, AR 71973.
