Cowley State Fishing Lake offers paddlers an 84-acre body of water surrounded by 113 acres of Flint Hills prairie. The lake features extremely clear water and depths reaching up to 32 feet. A single boat ramp provides access, though boats are restricted to no-wake operation and fishing purposes only.

One of the lake's most distinctive features is the 25-foot Cowley Waterfall at the northwest end, recognized by Yahoo Travel as one of America's Top 12 Most Beautiful Waterfalls. Paddlers can access this scenic highlight from the small parking lot at the west end of the lake.

Facilities include a courtesy boat dock (no permanent docking allowed), wooden fishing dock, and earthen fishing piers along the shoreline. Basic amenities include pit toilets and picnic tables, with some waterfront lighting available. Primitive camping is permitted along the north shore for up to seven days.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for paddling, with moderate temperatures and good visibility for wildlife viewing. The surrounding wildlife area hosts white-tailed deer, various bird species, and other native wildlife. The lake's position in the Flint Hills provides scenic views of the Kansas countryside from various vantage points around the water.

The lake was created in 1953 as part of a flood control project and underwent rehabilitation in 1988-89. Located 16 miles east of Arkansas City adjacent to Highway 166, this compact lake provides an intimate paddling experience. A small hiking trail circles the lake, offering additional perspectives of the surrounding landscape.

For paddlers interested in exploring, the western end of the lake near the waterfall is particularly noteworthy. However, visitors should note that the lake's primary purpose is fishing, and paddling activities should be conducted accordingly.