[title size=”2″]Summer Days at Big Spring Park in Cotter, AR [/title]

Cotter, Arkansas is a small, historic town in the heart of the Ozarks. The town’s Big Spring Park (located off of Big Spring Parkway in the heart of Cotter) is a perfect destination for those hot summer days, offering numerous fun water activities to help visitors cool off from the heat. The picturesque White River runs through the park, offering a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts including kayaking, canoeing, inner tubing, fishing, or even taking a leisurely boat ride off of the park’s boat launch. The river’s cool, flowing waters take visitors by natural wonders including limestone bluffs and lush woodland areas that are full of wildlife. Big Spring Park also has a two-mile walking trail that runs alongside the river upstream to the Denton Ferry site, which was part of route of the Trail of Tears. The cool forested area provides hikers with serene views of the White River along this tranquil path.

Another attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the R. M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge that spans the White River within view of Big Spring Park. Originally dedicated in 1930 and recently renovated, this statuesque bridge is the largest Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge that exists today, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The view of this regal bridge arching over the deep blue waters of the White River with lush green forests on either side is a postcard-worthy shot. History lovers may want to stop by the park’s Anglin-Tinnon Railroad Workers Memorial, which offers a glimpse into the past of this railroad boom town. As most serious fishermen already know, the White River around Cotter, Arkansas is one of the best trout fishing spots in America. Decent-sized rainbow (reaching from 11 to 16 inches long), brook, brown and cutthroat trout are within easy reach of anglers and other fishermen in the waters that flow by Big Spring Park. The height of the season is celebrated with Trout Fest on the third weekend in June, complete with vendor booths, barbecue and an outdoor fish fry.