[1] The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission contacted the Weyerhaeuser Corporation, the land's owner, about developing a park from the wilderness along the Cossatot River in 1975.

It wasn't until 1984 when the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism offered to join the Commission in a joint venture to acquire the land in an attempt to allay the fears of Weyerhaeuser.

After a joint meeting, The Nature Conservancy held the land in trust until state funds were allocated for the park.

[4] The terrain of the park is a rugged rocky canyon with old growth hardwoods and juniper glades.

[5] A visitor center, built in 2004, offers a wildlife observation room, a water education laboratory, and a gift shop.