The Quiet Fishing Town In Arkansas That’s Perfect For A Day Trip

With less than 1,000 residents, Cotter is not a big town. Small towns don’t mean a small time, though. Cotter is big fun, especially if you’re into natural beauty, interesting history, and trout. Trout fishing is the number one pastime in this Ozark Mountain town for one reason: Cotter Arkansas is Trout Capital U.S.A. Set along the banks of the upper White River, Cotter is an amazing little fishing town full of rich history and friendly folks. Cotter is the perfect place to spend a gorgeous fall day.

To get to Cotter, use these directions.

Cotter has been a home base for White River fishermen for a long time.

One of its most interesting features, Cotter Bridge, has been around for a long time too.

The bridge is recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It was finished in 1930, and it’s quite a marvel.

Exploring the river near the historic bridge makes for a good time.

A train bridge runs parallel to the Cotter Bridge.

Once an important stop on the Missouri-Pacific Railroad’s White River Line, Cotter never forgets how important trains were to the development of the town.

You can visit the Anglin-Tinnon Railroad Workers Memorial in Big Springs Park.

The main attraction, of course, is the trout fishing.

And if you’re in it for the fishing, there’s no better place to go than Cotter Trout Dock.

Cotter Trout Dock offers guided fishing float trips and guided trout fishing.

There’s a chance you’ll reel in a big one . . .

. . . but even if you don’t, you’ll definitely have the BEST time on the gorgeous White River.

For more places to get away from it all, check this list. For more river towns you just can't miss, go here.