It is rated as the toughest backpacking trail in Arkansas. Arkansas has approximately 356 trails, including 255 hiking trails, 161 for walking and 599 for other activities. Eagle Rock Loop Ouachita National Forest Biking: All trails Equestrian: Viles Branch Trail Highlights: This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas. The plan was for Caveman and I to hike the Eagle Rock Loop, then the Buckeye and the Caney Creek Trails, until Caveman got very sick. Eagle Rock Loop Trail in Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop Trail Reports has 1,213 members. Arkansas State Website Description: The Eagle Rock Loop Trail (26.8 miles) offers the longest loop hike in the state. Titled the "Hardest Trail in Arkansas" Backpacking Arkansas in Ouichita National Forest. We decided we would spend prepping for the Appalachian Trail next year. October 2020. Explore the best trails in Little Rock, Arkansas on TrailLink. Eagle Rock Loop Trail 25.2 miles (or 26.8 with spurs depending on the source), Albert Pike Recreation Area, near Langley, AR with access points David dances on the rocks across Viles Branch Creek. Nov 6, 2014 - Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest, About It’s the perfect place to go backpacking because it’s so lightly trafficked, and you can camp along the trail. Interestingly, the trail… Jun 17, 2018 #1 On my first foray back into backpacking I failed miserably. In spots the trail is a little exposed with the creek bubbling below, and the trail surface varies from smooth to pretty technical. 367 likes. Hiking Eagle Rock Loop Trail. Head south through a narrow gap to reach the first of many fords of the Little Missouri—depending on recent rains, these may require rock-hopping or deep wading (trekking poles help). The 2-mile out and back trail in the middle of the Ozark hardwood forest is named for the scenic river which runs along its length. Eagle Rock Loop is a scrambler's paradise in this 1.8-million-acre national forest, 117 miles southwest of Little Rock. Look for the spur trail to Eagle Rock Vista on the second ridge taking off to the right. The far west side of the trail is all 6 ridges. The trail tracks along blue rivers and through shady gorges with spur trails to craggy overlooks. Here Are 8 Fantastic Spots To Spot Bald Eagles In Arkansas. There are multiple places to begin this trip, as there are 4 trailheads along the route; (1) Albert Pike Recreation Area, (2) Little Missouri Falls on Forest Road 25, (3) 4 miles west of Little Missouri Falls on Forest Road 25, (4) East of Bard Springs Recreation Area on Forest Road 106. The trails included in our hiker bundle include the Ouachita Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, and the Buffalo River Trail. Backpacking Trails Hiking Trails Camping Places Camping Life Eagle Rock Loop Arkansas Camping Forest Falls Hiking Backpack National Forest. The most popular trails are Eagle Rock Loop, Buffalo River Trail and Ozark Highlands Trail. This loop is a collection of three trails in the Ouachita National Forest. 233. We’d also added Gimpy, who wanted to do a shake-down hike for his Colorado Trail trip. “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir A few weeks back Kaci and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. The trail will take you into some of the back woods of the Ouachita's following along the Little Missouri River most of the way. Eagle Rock Loop: A Backpacker’s Guide to the Toughest Trail in Arkansas Posted on March 21, 2017 March 21, 2017 by winstonian24 “Climb … This trail remains a great “test piece” for people preparing for longer hikes in the mountains. A group for sharing recent trail conditions/trip reports and information for the Eagle Rock Loop (ERL) trail in the Quachita National Forest, AR. This trip started with us setting up camp at near the Albert Pike Campground that was closed in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. Located in Ouachita National Forest, Eagle Rock Loop is Arkansas' longest loop, perfect for a 3-4 day backpack. You’ll come across a cool little cave with rock formations about halfway down the trail. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to most difficult. Eagle spotting is underway in Arkansas! Eagle Rock Loop is the longest (and hardest) loop trail in the State of Arkansas. Or at least failed if your only measurement is completing the trail. Trail route data was recorded with the GPS in "track" mode while hiking with the GPS lying on top of the backpack. Wednesday May 21, 2014, hiking the Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). We’re getting into expert territory now, as Eagle Rock Loop is 25.2 miles long and recommended only for expert hikers. Saved by Christine Griffin. The vista gives you a great view of Viles valley and Big Tom Mountain to the south. We choose to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas. Technical notes about the Eagle Rock Loop. A combination of the Little Missouri, the Athens- Big Fork and part of the Viles Branch Horse Trail, this trail travels through the southwestern portion of the Ouachita National Forest. At mile 18.5 the trail drops into the valley of Viles Branch and intersects the Viles Branch Trail (yellow blazes). Shop Hiking Trail Eagle Rock Loop Ouachita National Forest Arkansas hiking t-shirts designed by LostOnTheTrailSupplyCo as well as other hiking merchandise at TeePublic. And Zeddy was also in the mix. So on Wednesday 5/21/2014, Gimpy and I headed out. With more than 7 Little Rock trails covering 31 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Levy Spur Trail or Arkansas River Trail. ERL Trail. I had heard of the trail from my trail running community, NTTR, and we needed some training and outdoor fun as part of our preparation for our big summer adventure. Many of the state parks host their eagle tours in January but don’t let that deter you from grabbing your camera and heading out sooner. Although the trail is mostly downhill except for a steep 300 foot climb, there are numerous … Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest. Joined Feb 18, 2018 Messages 18. This three-day clockwise circuit of Arkansas’ longest loop trail starts at Little Missouri Falls, which enables you to hit prime campsites and break up the biggest stretch of climbing. It's also among the most beautiful with grand views from peak to valley. The Eagle Rock Loop is a 26.8 mile loop made up of 3 trails put together. The state of Arkansas has a variety of amazing hiking trails. 3. Eagle Rock Loop (26.8mi) Langley, AR. GPS Data, Eagle Rock Loop Trail Hike, Spring 2004 A Garmin Geko 201 handheld GPS was used to collect a variety of waypoints and trail routes. To begin, head south on the Little Missouri Trail. The trail is essentially a big square. A combination of the Little Missouri, the Athens-Big Fork and part of the Viles Branch Horse Trail, this trail travels through the southwestern portion of the Ouachita National Forest. War Eagle Trail at Withrow Springs State Park is near Huntsville, Arkansas and is rated as moderate. The entire loop is actually a combination of parts of three other trails: the Little Missouri Trail(LMT), Athens-Big Fork Trail (ABF) and the Viles Branch Equestrian Trails (VBT). Enjoy the longest loop trail in the state with multiple stream and river crossings, expansive views and long steep climbs in the Athens-Big Fork section. The Eagle Rock Loop is a 26.8 mile loop through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas made up of three trail, the Little Missouri, Athens-Big Fork and Viles Branch Trail. These trails range from 0 to 224 miles in length. Turn left (east). There are a few spots along the river that the trail just hangs on the side of the edge. Box 1270 • Hot Springs, AR 71902 • 501.321.5202 • fs.usda.gov/ouachita TR-36DET Nov 2011 Eagle Rock Loop Ouachita National Forest Page 1 of 8 Biking: All trails Equestrian: Viles Branch Trail Highlights: This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas. The short spur trail led to Eagle Rock Vista, which, according to a fellow loop­hiker is, “the best spot in Arkansas for sunset and sunrise watching.” Despite a long day on our feet, we were pumped and made no hesitation up the short-yet-steep climb to the vista. Eagle Rock Loop is one of the most beautiful and challenging loop trails in Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop, AR April 18, 2014 Our first water crossing: On April 4-6 of this year, three friends and I hiked the 28.6-mile Eagle Rock Loop Trail in Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop, Langley, Arkansas. Saved by Heather Griffin. If we were to do it again, we would start at the north-west corner and go counter clockwise and get all 6 … View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest. You'll find mostly singletrack here that can go from being flat and smooth to rocky and technical. Backpacking Trails Hiking Trails Camping Places Camping Life Eagle Rock Loop Arkansas Camping Forest Falls Day Trips Vacation Trips. Eagle Rock Loop is a nearly 27 mile trail loop located in the Ouachita National Forest in central Arkansas located about an hour southeast of Mena. The loop consist of three trails: Little Missouri, Athens-Big Fork and the Viles Branch Equestrian Trails and is often deemed the most challenging loop in Arkansas. This is where most of your elevation gain is. EAGLE ROCK LOOP OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST • P.O. The trail offers excellent camping throughout with numerous opportunities to camp near water. There are around 8 ridges to go up and down and numerous stream crossings, some of which require taking off your boots and going through water up to knee deep. Thread starter LoneWolfOutdoors; Start date Jun 17, 2018; LoneWolfOutdoors Member. It’s a 26-ish mile loop, which most folks do as a 3- day/2-night trip, but I decided to do as an overnight, starting mid-morning on the first day and finishing up mid-afternoon on the second. This was my third time on Eagle Rock Loop, but only the second time to complete it (the last time was too buggy, muggy, and hot). 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