Eagle Rock Loop
25.5 mi
Distance
14 hrs 15 min
Time
terrain
997 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Brushy Mtn in Ouachita National Forest.
This trail goes by Hurricane Knob, McKinley Mtn, Brier Creek Mtn, and Little Missouri Falls.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Pretty country. I hiked Eagle Rock Loop, starting and ending at Little Missouri Falls trailhead, in December. Its a great hike but all the crossings would be problematic/dangerous if river was up. River gauge at Langley was around 3.4 feet when hiked and only had to wade (knee deep) on the two southernmost crossings. There is reliable water sources throughout the loop. Started at 9:30am on a Sunday morning and finished around noon on Tuesday. Only saw about 10 other hikers on trail. During Spring and Fall, I think loop is pretty crowded. I’ll definitely hike this trail again.
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Oct 24 I completed the trail solo in under two days. Started at 10:30am from little Missouri trailhead went counter clockwise and finished around 6pm (14:3miles) and set up camp 2 miles in Viles Branch. I did this to get some of the flats out of the way and knock out the mountains on Athens Big Fork. On day 2 I started around 8:30am and finished at 2:40pm (14miles) completing a total of 28miles. The right side of the trail is mixed with hilly and flat portions, and in my opinion easier to do. Tough and beautiful trail overall. I didn’t bring water sandals because I didn’t mind getting my shoes/foot wet but near the end I started getting blisters. I would have brought sandals if I planned to stay longer to avoid any foot pain. In the mornings and near trailheads I would encounter groups with 3-5 people every hour or so. In the afternoon I would see people every 2-3 hours. It was a well trafficked trail.
This was my 2nd time this year, the first I did in August and was unable to finish. Water levels were low both times so the water crossings were relatively easy. I would check the water levels before going on the hike. Spiders and other insects were sparse compared to August and I think it’s because there was a lot more people on the trail enjoying the October weather. Plenty of streams to refill water and campsites. The terrain was overall rocky, I did a shoe change the 2nd time around to help dampen the feeling of rocks poking my feet.
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots, socks, or packs. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter which cuts down on weight. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out, trash is so light!!!
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots and socks. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out!!!
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots and socks. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out!!!
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots and socks. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out!!!
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots and socks. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out!!!
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Awesome but tricky loop, finished in 2.5 days. Water shoes/sandals and trekking poles highly recommended, even crossings that look easy can end with soaked boots and socks. Lots of trails will turn into streams with moderate rain so tread carefully. Great campsites and lots of water sources for a filter. Too much trash though, very disappointing to see so many fire pits full of it; please pack it out!!!
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Started out at the Athens big fork trail head at the upper left side of the map, and went counter clockwise which led to doing the most elevation on the first day. I would recommend this. We did 8 miles, 12 miles, and 7 miles through 3 days/2 nights. Bring a good water filter and water shoes for the water crossings.
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Just completed the loop counter-clockwise from the northwest trail-head where Athens-Big Fork meets Little Missouri Trail (2020-06-10 to 12). Lots of tree cover and plenty of clear running water in all of the creeks. Abundant campsites. Great views. Would love to do it again in the fall with our dogs.
Tons of trash! Pack! It! Out! FFS. I expect to see trash left in camps that can be reached easily from the roads, but I really expected better from fellow backpackers. There were piles of trash most of the back-country fire pits. Filled all of my spare bags within the first 15 miles.
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Public Tracks
Track (12/7/19, 12:45:10PM)
Steve Smith
Grant Wickard
Samuel Mortimer
