You’ll come across a cool little cave with rock formations about halfway down the trail. The state of Arkansas has a variety of amazing hiking trails. Joined Feb 18, 2018 Messages 18. This is where most of your elevation gain is. War Eagle Trail at Withrow Springs State Park is near Huntsville, Arkansas and is rated as moderate. Explore the best trails in Little Rock, Arkansas on TrailLink. It’s the perfect place to go backpacking because it’s so lightly trafficked, and you can camp along the trail. 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 Hiking Backpack National Forest. 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. 367 likes. 3. 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). This trail remains a great “test piece” for people preparing for longer hikes in the mountains. 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. Turn left (east). Nov 6, 2014 - Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest, About Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest. Although the trail is mostly downhill except for a steep 300 foot climb, there are numerous … ERL Trail. “Come to the woods, for here is rest.” ― John Muir A few weeks back Kaci and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. If we were to do it again, we would start at the north-west corner and go counter clockwise and get all 6 … Arkansas has approximately 356 trails, including 255 hiking trails, 161 for walking and 599 for other activities. 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. 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. 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. The trail is essentially a big square. Eagle Rock Loop is one of the most beautiful and challenging loop trails in Arkansas. There are a few spots along the river that the trail just hangs on the side of the edge. 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. Shop Hiking Trail Eagle Rock Loop Ouachita National Forest Arkansas hiking t-shirts designed by LostOnTheTrailSupplyCo as well as other hiking merchandise at TeePublic. These trails range from 0 to 224 miles in length. 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. Eagle Rock Loop Trail Reports has 1,213 members. 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. EAGLE ROCK LOOP OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST • P.O. October 2020. Eagle Rock Loop Trail, Arkansas, Ouachita National Forest. Arkansas State Website Description: The Eagle Rock Loop Trail (26.8 miles) offers the longest loop hike in the state. 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. 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). Titled the "Hardest Trail in Arkansas" Backpacking Arkansas in Ouichita National Forest. The vista gives you a great view of Viles valley and Big Tom Mountain to the south. Interestingly, the trail… It is rated as the toughest backpacking trail in Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop is the longest (and hardest) loop trail in the State of Arkansas. 233. The Eagle Rock Loop is a 26.8 mile loop made up of 3 trails put together. The most popular trails are Eagle Rock Loop, Buffalo River Trail and Ozark Highlands Trail. So on Wednesday 5/21/2014, Gimpy and I headed out. 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. Eagle Rock Loop Ouachita National Forest Biking: All trails Equestrian: Viles Branch Trail Highlights: This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas. We’d also added Gimpy, who wanted to do a shake-down hike for his Colorado Trail trip. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to most difficult. It's also among the most beautiful with grand views from peak to valley. Eagle Rock Loop Trail in Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop is a scrambler's paradise in this 1.8-million-acre national forest, 117 miles southwest of Little Rock. Thread starter LoneWolfOutdoors; Start date Jun 17, 2018; LoneWolfOutdoors Member. Trail route data was recorded with the GPS in "track" mode while hiking with the GPS lying on top of the backpack. 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. 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. Wednesday May 21, 2014, hiking the Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). Eagle spotting is underway in Arkansas! Saved by Christine Griffin. 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. 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. 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). Hiking Eagle Rock Loop Trail. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Look for the spur trail to Eagle Rock Vista on the second ridge taking off to the right. Technical notes about the Eagle Rock Loop. Here Are 8 Fantastic Spots To Spot Bald Eagles In Arkansas. 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. Jun 17, 2018 #1 On my first foray back into backpacking I failed miserably. 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. 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. And Zeddy was also in the mix. 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. We decided we would spend prepping for the Appalachian Trail next year. 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 loop is a collection of three trails in the Ouachita National Forest. The trail offers excellent camping throughout with numerous opportunities to camp near water. We’re getting into expert territory now, as Eagle Rock Loop is 25.2 miles long and recommended only for expert hikers. This trail offers the longest loop trail in Arkansas. To begin, head south on the Little Missouri Trail. Eagle Rock Loop: A Backpacker’s Guide to the Toughest Trail in Arkansas Posted on March 21, 2017 March 21, 2017 by winstonian24 “Climb … Eagle Rock Loop, Langley, Arkansas. Eagle Rock Loop (26.8mi) Langley, AR. The far west side of the trail is all 6 ridges. Or at least failed if your only measurement is completing the trail. In spots the trail is a little exposed with the creek bubbling below, and the trail surface varies from smooth to pretty technical. 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. Backpacking Trails Hiking Trails Camping Places Camping Life Eagle Rock Loop Arkansas Camping Forest Falls Day Trips Vacation Trips. We choose to do a 26-mile loop in Arkansas known as Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). The trails included in our hiker bundle include the Ouachita Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Eagle Rock Loop, and the Buffalo River Trail. At mile 18.5 the trail drops into the valley of Viles Branch and intersects the Viles Branch Trail (yellow blazes). 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. The trail tracks along blue rivers and through shady gorges with spur trails to craggy overlooks. 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. 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. Saved by Heather Griffin.